Frank Kiang Bronze Portrait Bust, Founder and Chairman of the Board of the Metropolitan Bank
"Dear Paula, We thank you for your great attention to the details of this very wonderful project. Please proceed with the molds and bronze casting as we are looking forward to the future celebration of this tribute to Frank Kiang. The new center's grand opening was attended by most of the most prominent local leaders. They are also very interested in the unveiling ceremony for the Bronze Bust of Frank Kiang. "~ Sherry Hirota
CEO Asian Health Services, Inc.
“Paula, Frank would be very pleased with this portrait bronze. You made him look so good! We all thank you for this beautiful tribute and for your advice on how best to light the sculpture.”~ Rosaline Kiang
Wife of Frank Kiang
Oakland, California
Slater was awarded the commission to sculpt a life size portrait bust of Frank Kiang for installation in the new Asian Health Services. She was supplied with photographs and video of Mr. Kiang and in her research read about all the wonderful contributions of this generous philanthropist and businessman.
Kiang was born in China and entered the U.S. at age 21. He earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of California at Berkeley, a master’s degree at Washington University in St. Louis, and his Ph.D. in economics at Oklahoma State University. He founded what is now Metropolitan Bank in 1981 and held the position of chief executive officer and chairman of the board at the time of his passing. He sought to raise the standing and visibility of Asian Americans through his activism in the Organization of Chinese Americans and the Asian American Bankers Association, and served his community as a member of both the Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation Board of Advisors (2000-2007) and the Port of Oakland Board of Commissioners (1998-2006).
Frank Kiang was and continues to be, a role model and inspiration to his family, friends, and community for his leadership, integrity and humanity.
