Yang Wenxiu (1929-2009) hailed from Yuncheng, Shandong Province. Ms. Yang graduated from the Fine Arts Department of the Shandong Arts Training School in 1952. One year later, she went to work for the Shanghai People's Fine Arts Publishing House, where she remained until her retirement.

Ms. Yang was well-versed in propaganda designs (included in the collection of the China Art Gallery) and New Year pictures, for which she was awarded a number of prizes, including one in 1956.