Art, Diplomacy, and Dedication

Mrs. John and Mae Chee Sansanee unveil Effigy VI, a sculpture donated to the Sathira Dhammasathan Center by American artist Katherine Sandnas, which honors the strength, beauty and calming energy of women.

On February 26, 2008, Mrs. Sophia John, the wife of U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Eric G. John, represented the U.S. Embassy at a sculpture dedication at Sathira Dhammasathan, a women’s center on the outskirts of Bangkok.  Keenly interested in charity, Mrs. John and Mae Chee Sansanee, the well-known Buddhist nun and peace advocate who established the center, found they had much in common in their concern for unwed mothers, and abused women and children.

The unveiling of visiting artist Katherine Sandnas’ sculpture donation, Effigy VI, was to honor the anniversary of 175 Years of U.S.-Thai Friendship and to pay tribute to Mae Chee Sansanee’s work. In celebrating the calming effects of the female form, Effigy VI symbolizes the heartfelt dedication that Mrs. John, Mae Chee Sansanee and Katherine Sandnas share to help women and children in need.

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