Saturday, 2/22: AIB2B Tours CNL Mannequins by James Chiao

1pm – 4pm @6600 Artesia Boulevard, Buena Park, CA 90620 Come meet the man who was a poor fisherman in the South China Sea dreaming the American dream. While James was happy to be using his creative talents to design mannequins, he always yearned to fulfill the musical passions his parents instilled in him as a child. Then at age 65, James went to Cal Arts to study music for two years where he would go on write and compose a musical that will be performed at the Cerritos Performing Arts Center this April 2020. Join us as a part of our Tour Series to hear James tell the amazing story of his journey from China to the United States.

RSVP For 2/22

Born in Guangzhou, China in 1949, James Chiao is one of the three sons of famous Chinese folk composer Fei Chiao. James grew up during Mao’s Cultural Revolution where his parents, like most intellectuals, artists and musicians, were sent to work in labor camps and James was sent to a remote island to work as a farmer and fisherman.

With the help of family, Chiao was able to leave China and immigrated to the United States in 1980. With his wife Lily, he built a successful business in Buena Park, CNL Mannequins, which sells to major department stores and fashion brands such as Macy’s Stores.

While James was happy to be using his creative talents to design mannequins, he always yearned to fulfill the musical passions his parents instilled in him as a child. Then at age 65, James went to Cal Arts to study music for two years where he would go on write and compose a musical that will be performed at the Cerritos Performing Arts Center this April 2020.

Join us as a part of our Tour Series to hear James tell the amazing story of his journey from China to the United States.