BiLan Bio & CV
- BiLan Liao is a founder of the Asian American Artists Society, American art professor, author of the Diary of the Dragon's Daughter - Painting as a Window into Chinese History", and filmmaker of the short documentary film "An Artist's Journey from China to America".
- BiLan was a Director of the Painting and Photography Department in Baoan and Longgang, China, Executive Editor of the Longgang Newspaper, and Vice Chairwoman of the Literature, Art and Culture Association in Longgang. She was a photography journalist, writer and editor on Longgang News Paper and president of the photography association in Longgang, Shenzhen, China. She successfully planned and organized many national/international competitions inChina, including the FIAP (Fédération Internationale de l'Art Photographique) photography competition in Longgang, Shenzhen. She is the author of numerous articles published both in China and America. Listed in the "Chinese Who's Who" in 1998.
- BiLan came to the United States at her age 45 to pursue her American dream and have the freedom to paint about her journey in China. She was granted a U.S. permanent residency visa under the “Alien of Extraordinary Abilities” category in 1999. Although she did not speak English when she arrived, within nine years she earned two master’s degrees in art (MA and MFA), studied art in Italy, and became an art college professor in Kentucky, where she built the BiLan Liao Gallery. She painted the story of five generations of her family and the tragedies and triumphs of their lives. She explores the relationships between her personal story, Chinese history, and fine art in Diary of the Dragon’s Daughter, as she describes her life during the worst holocaust in recorded human history. Despite the horrors she endured, including the deaths of her father and sister, she has a message of hope to share with people: even during difficult times, never give up your dreams.
- Since then, she has been featured in ABC Nightline, Supper China, The World China, abc 13 - KTNV Las Vegas, WSIU (PBS), National Public Radio, Chicago Movie Magazine etc. Bilan has exhibited her artwork nationally and internationally at galleries and museums. Her documentary short “An Artist’s Journey from China to America” received over 60 awards/selections from national and international filmmaker festivals in 2021. Name listed on Wikipedia, Outstanding Georgia Citizen and Goodwill Ambassador awarded by Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger, 2021 and 2016 Duchess of Paducah, KY.
- BLAN LIAO CV
- EDUCATION
- Master of Fine Arts, Kendall College of Art and Design, Grand Rapids, MI (KCAD) 2008
- Graduate Courses, Studio Art Centers International, Florence, Italy 2007
- Master of Arts, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN (U of I) 2006
- Graduate Level Certificate in Photography Research, Chinese People’s University, China 1993
- Certificate in Photography, Photography Correspondence College, China 1987
- Bachelor of Graphic Design, Hunan Province Art and Craft College, China 1986
- TEACHING APPOINTMENTS & PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS
- Associate Professor, Paducah School of Art and Design, WKCTC (Retired in 2016) 2008 – 2016
- Adjunct Instructor and Graduate Teaching Assistant, KCAD 2007 – 2008
- Adjunct Instructor, Herron School of Art and Design, Indianapolis, IN (Herron) 2001 – 2006
- Director, Painting and Photography Department in Longgang, China 1995 – 1999
- Executive Editor, Longgang Newspaper, Longgang, China 1993 – 1995
- PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
- President, Asian American Artists Society, 2024 – present
- President, Diary of the Dragon's Daughter (films) , LLC, GA 2020 – present
- Chairwoman, Art Committee of World Chamber Commerce, Atlanta, GA 2017 – 2018
- Educational Consultant, Guanmei International School, Dongguang, China 2010 –Present
- Member, International Art Education Association (InAEA) 2013 – Present
- Member, Foundations in Art: Theory & Education 2007 – Present
- Member, Portrait Society of America 2009 – 2013
- Member, College Art Association 2007 – 2013
- AWARDS / HONORS / GRANTS
- President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for their lifelong Commitment to building a stronger nation through volunteer service 2022
- Outstanding Georgia Citizen and Goodwill Ambassador, awarded by Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger, 2021
- Global International Alliance Advocates for National Community Service, Atlanta, GA 2018
- Kentucky Foundation for Women, 2016 Artist Enrichment Grant 2016
- 2016 Duchess of Paducah, KY 2016
- WKCTC, Teacher of the Year Division Winner 2015
- Paducah City awarded land in the artists’ district to build the BiLan Liao Gallery 2010
- Honorary Professor, Hunan Arts and Crafts Vocational College, China 2009
- 1st Prize, Juried exhibition, Clemens Fine Art Center, Paducah, KY 2008
- Blue Heron Academy Award, Juried Arts Exhibition, Grand Rapids Art Museum, MI 2007
- Merit Scholarship Recipient, KCAD 2006
- Provost Award for Outstanding Graduate Work, U of I 2005 – 2006
- Herron’s 2003 Outstanding Associate Faculty Award 2003
- Who’s Who in China in Scientific Chinese - Talent Bank of Chinese Experts 1999
- PRESENTATIONS & BOOK – SIGNING
- Speaker, Celebrating the International Women’s Day at the YMCA on Peachtree Corners on March 7th, 2025
- Fearless International Speaker at the Fearless Women’s Summit 2025 in Atlanta, GA
- Gwinnett County Public Library, GA, 2023
- Gwinnett County Public Library, GA, 2022
- Summerour Middle School, Norcross, GA, 2019
- Masquerade Gala, 2nd annual celebration of Chamber, Southwest Gwinnett of Commerce, GA, 2018
- Honoring Champions of Community Service & Humanitarian Celebration, Atlanta, GA, 2018
- Cherokee Arts Center Theatre, Canton, GA, 2018
- Canton Theatre, Canton, GA, 2017
- Xian Normal University, Xian, China, 2016
- Kentucky of the American Association for Women Conference, Lexington, KY, 2016
- West Kentucky Community & Technical College, Library, Paducah, KY, 2016
- Shawnee Community College, Ullin, IL, 2016
- Paducah Carson Center, Paducah, KY, 2016
- Foundation in Art: Theory and Education National conference, Indianapolis, IN, 2015
- Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, MO, 2015
- 34th World Congress, Melbourne, Australia, 2014
- Murray State University, Murray, KY, 2013
- Paducah McCracken County Public Library, Paducah, KY, 2011
- Honored to speak at the Celebration of the Hunan Arts and Crafts Vocational College, 2010
- PUBLICATIONS / BIBLIOGRAPHY
- 2nd Edition Diary of the Dragon's Daughter, GFIP, LLC 2019
- Diary of the Dragon's Daughter, GFIP, LLC 2016
- Studio Visit – vol. 29. p. 102 2015
- Madrid Journal of Contemporary Literature, winter 2014 Issue, pp. 84 – 95 2014
- International Contemporary Artists, p. 147 20123
- Lion Dance in Long Gang District-Selections of Excellent Photography Works, China 1999
- Third International Lion-Dance Competition, Government of Longgang, China 1999
- Selections of Photography and Painting by BiLan Liao, Sichuan Publishing House, China 1998
- SOLO EXHIBITIONS
- Agnes Scott College Atlanta, GA 2020
- Drepung Loseling Monastery, Atlanta, GA 2019
- BiLan Liao Gallery, Atlanta, GA 2017 – Present
- BiLan Liao Gallery, Paducah, KY 2012 – 2016
- Maiden Valley Cinema Gallery, Paducah, KY 2014
- Paducah City Hall, Paducah, KY 2013
- Clemens Fine Art Center, Paducah, KY 2011
- Yeiser Art Center, Paducah, KY 2009
- Clemens Fine Art Center, Paducah, KY 2009
- Kendall College of Art and Design, Grand Rapids, MI 2008
- First United Methodist Church Gallery, Grand Rapids, MI 2007
- University of Indianapolis, Christel Dehaan Fine Arts Center, Indianapolis, IN 2006
- Indiana University, East Whitewater Galley, Richmond, IN 2005
- Indiana University Purdue University, Columbus North Wing Gallery, Columbus, IN 2005
- Indianapolis Arts garden, Indianapolis, IN 2005
- First Meridian Heights Presbyterian Church Gallery, Indianapolis, IN 2003
- Shenzhen Fine Art Museum, Shenzhen, China 1995
- JURIED EXHIBITIONS
- Spring Members Only Exhibition (Juried) by Portrait Society of Atlanta, GA, 2024
- Portrait Society of Atlanta, GA, 2019
- Fine Arts Center of Hot Spring, Hot Spring, AR 2012
- Cornerstone Art and Events Gallery, Frankfort, KY 2011
- Associated Artists of Winston-Salem, Winston-Salem, NC 2011
- Capitol Rotunda, Frankfort, KY 2011
- Mad Art Gallery, St. Louis, MO 2011
- Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, IL 2008
- Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon, MI 2007
- Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids, MI 2007
- Kendall College of Art and Design Gallery, Grand Rapids, MI 2007
- Indiana University Kokomo Gallery, Kokomo, IN 2005
- Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art, Indianapolis, IN 2005
- Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Fort Wayne, IN 2005
- Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis, IN 2004
- Bona Thompson Memorial Center, Indianapolis, IN 2003
- Swope Art Museum, Terre Haute, IN 2003
- Wells Memorial Center, Lafayette, IN 2000
- GuanShanYue Museum, Shenzhen, China 1996, 1997, 1998
- GROUP EXHIBITIONS
- 2025 Invitational Exhibition, Abernathy Arts Center, Sandy Spring, GA, 2025
- ACP 30th Anniversary / Contemporary Art Exhibition, 2023
- Hunan Arts and Crafts Vocational College, China 2017
- Inspiration, Foundation in Art, Theory and Education, Monmouth College, Monmouth, IL 2016
- National Painting and Drawing Invitational figurative, Clemens Fine Art Center, KY 2014
- Yeiser Fine Art Center, Paducah, KY 2013
- Lexington Convention Center, Lexington, KY 2011
- Kentucky International Convention Center, Louisville, KY 2010
- Gallery 109 & Fairbanks Studio, Murray, KY 20104
- Co-op Gallery in Lower Town, Paducah, KY 2009
- Annual Faculty Show, Paducah School of Art & Design Gallery, Paducah, KY 2008 – 2016
- Kendall College of Art and Design, Grand Rapids, MI 2008
- Annual Faculty Show, Indianapolis Art Center Gallery, Indianapolis, IN 2005
- Herron 100 Years, 100 Artists, 100 Bucks, Indianapolis, IN 2003
- Associate Faculty Exhibition, Herron School of Art and Design Gallery, Indianapolis, IN 2002
- Shenzhen Museum, Shenzhen, China & Hong Kong Exhibition Center, Hong Kong 1997
- INTERVIEWS
- Boston Asian Radio and TV interview in Chinese on BiLan, 2022
- https://youtu.be/nb9u8oT66sA?si=-JuewwrDIuThihAU
- Chicago Movie Magazine, 2021,
- https://www.chicagomoviemagazine.com/post/an-artist-s-journey-from-china-to-america
- ABC Nightline Ashan Singh interview BiLan Liao & others on Nov. 09, 2020
- https://youtu.be/CD1eDPU7ge8
- abc 13 - KTNV Las Vegas, http://www.ktnv.com/morningblend/diary-of-the-dragons-daughter-2-22-19
- Atlanta Channel 57, air on December 25, 2018
- Women of Wealth magazine, pp. 40 – 41, April section, 2018
- PaducahSun, front p., August 26, 2017
- Paducah Chanel 6, http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/story/31272397/from-canvas-to-book-bilan-liaos-story
- PBS, https://www.pbs.org/video/wsiu-expressions-bilan-liao/, 2015
- National Public Radio – WKMS, November 15, 2013
- Artist Looks at History Through ‘Broken Window,’ PaducahSun, p. 1C, Current section, Thursday, November 14, 2013
- Article by Laurel Black Faculty show displays lighter side, PaducahSun, p. 3A, Local section, Sunday, August 26, 2012
- Article, Strokes of Culture – An ancient art signifies the importance of culture, PaducahSun newspaper, p. 2, Life section, Sunday, March 12, 2012
- Article, Lower Town Hosts WKCTC’s Chinese New Year at BiLan Liao Gallery, PaducahSun newspaper, p. 2A, Local section, Sunday, January 22, 2012
- Paducah Chanel 6, Chinese New Year at BiLan Liao Gallery, 2012 Gallery exhibits the story of BiLan Liao in Art, PaducahSun, p. 2A, Local section, Sunday, August 21, 2011
- Article by Jessica Perkins, Chinese Paintings Not for Sale, Paducah Life Magazine, April 2011
- Article by Adam Shull, PaducahSun, p. 12, Entertainment section, Saturday, April 17, 2010
- Article by Eddie Grant, BiLan Life in China, Paducah iSurfPaducah magazine, p. 5C;Entertainment, Wednesday, January 13, 2010
- Paducah Channel 2, Interviewed by Craig Berry, aired on August 28, 2009.
- Paducah Channel 2, Interviewed by Tammy Thompson, aired in March 2009
- Comcast Channel 28, Filmed by Grand Rapids Community College TV Channel HETA, BiLan’s
- presentation on fresco Painting, aired on Comcast Channel 28, Special Programming, MI, 2008
- PRESENTATIONS & BOOK – SIGNING
- Gwinnett County Public Library. GA 2023
- Gwinnett County Public Library. GA 2022
- Summerour Middle School, Norcross, GA 2019
- Masquerade Gala, 2nd annual celebration of Chamber, Southwest Gwinnett of Commerce, GA 2018
- Honoring Champions of Community Service & Humanitarian Celebration, Atlanta, GA 2018
- Cherokee Arts Center Theatre, Canton, GA 20185
- Canton Theatre, Canton, GA 2017
- Xian Normal University, Xian, China 2016
- Kentucky of the American Association for Women Conference, Lexington, KY 2016
- West Kentucky Community & Technical College, Library, Paducah, KY 2016
- Shawnee Community College, Ullin, IL 2016
- Paducah Carson Center, Paducah, KY 2016
- Foundation in Art: Theory and Education National conference, Indianapolis, IN, 2015
- Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, MO 2015
- 34th World Congress, Melbourne, Australia 2014
- Murray State University, Murray, KY 2013
- Paducah McCracken County Public Library, Paducah, KY 2011
- Honored to speak at the Celebration of the Hunan Arts and Crafts Vocational College 2010
- COLLECTIONS/DONATTIONS
- Paducah Tennis Association Fundraising, Paducah, KY 2017
- WKCTC Scholarship Annual Fundraising, Paducah KY (donated artwork each year) 2009 – 2016
- University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 2006
- 2006Associated Central Indiana Surgeons, Indianapolis, IN 2003
- Herron School of Art Celebrating Fundraising, Indianapolis, IN 2003
- Four works by Lee's personal collection, Chicago