First Asian Pacific American Cabinet member gets a canvas to call his own

Norman Mineta, former Transportation (G.W.Bush) and Commerce (Clinton) Secretary, was on hand Tuesday at the National Portrait Gallery as an original Everett Raymond Kinstler oil on canvas painting in his image was introduced.

Mineta explained to those at the painting’s unveiling that Kinstler had kept the project tightly under wrap until it was finished, not even allowing Mineta a sneak peek until he was satisfied with the likeness.

Given as a gift to the Smithsonian from the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program, the portrait is now on view to the public in the “New Arrivals” exhibit.