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Mineta Portrait Installed at National Portrait Gallery

WASHINGTON–The portrait of former U.S. Transportation and Commerce Secretary Norman Y. Mineta is now part of the permanent collection of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. The portrait unveiling and installation, followed by a reception, took place on July 26 at the prestigious Gallery in this nation’s capital.

Asked in an interview if the painting was as handsome as the original, Mineta laughed and replied, “Oh yeah, I’m sure,” a tribute to the artist. He called Everett Raymond Kinstler, who has painted over 80 portraits displayed at the Gallery, “a great artist and a wonderful human being.”

Guests gave Mineta a prolonged applause and a standing ovation when he rose to speak. Mineta was his usual humble self. He paid tribute “to many, many people to whom I owe my thanks.” He mentioned his parents and siblings – acknowledging Etsu Masaoka in the audience – a teacher, a lawyer and judge in San Jose, California, where he grew up. He said he was “fortunate enough to get these great mentors.”

“I come here standing on the shoulders of giants in the past,” he said. “I am here to encourage Asian Pacific Americans to be in public service,” and also to urge them to always reach down and pull others “up the ladder of service.” He thanked the generous donors and the artist.

The oil-on-canvas painting was displayed in a rotating exhibition called “New Arrivals.” To be sure, Mineta has arrived, a long time ago. The Japanese American World War II internee went on to become San Jose, California mayor and served in Congress for 20 years. On his retirement from public service in 2006, Mineta was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award. Currently, he’s vice chairman of Hill & Knowlton, a top global communications consultancy.

 

Public servant

Richard Kurin, undersecretary for History, Art and Culture at the Smithsonian, called Mineta “a true public servant,” noting the occasion honors “not just the person, but the accomplishments” as well. He said Mineta’s portraits now joins the august collection of presidents, Nobel Prize winners, and sports heroes, among others.

Konrad Ng, director of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program, stressed one portrait spoke volumes, noting Mineta’s “leadership and service” to the nation. He also read a message from President Barack Obama,” who praised Mineta for his “dedication in improving the lives of others.”

National Portrait Gallery Deputy Director Carolyn K. Carr thanked the APA Program for the gift of the portrait. She thanked Ng’s predecessor Frank Odo, “who initiated” the project, and Ng for its completion two years later. She said the list of donors was in the website, www.npg.si.edu.

Mineta said he sat three times for the portrait, at 2 1/2 hours each time. The artist did not use a camera, but preferred sittings. Kinstler said in an interview a good painting “must capture the brilliant life and the personality of the subject.” He added he hoped he captured Mineta’s “warmth and intelligence,” describing Mineta as a wonderful human being. Mineta himself said they had forged “a very, very close bond.”

Mineta and his wife Danealia glowed in the presence of family, including their grandchildren. David Mineta, Christine Mineta with Lauryl and Mathew; Bob and Kelly Brantner, and Mark and Wendi Brantner.

Guests included former colleague and now CIA Director Leon Panetta, U.S. Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki and his wife, retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Antonio M. Taguba, White House Cabinet Secretary Christopher P. Liu, Kiran Ahuja, executive director of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and its newly-appointed Chair Daphne Kwok, and Virginia State Delegate Mark Keam. After the program, they joined guests at a reception and video tribute at the Kogod Courtyard.

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