Qiao Wenke (1937) is from Xiyang, Shanxi Province, the same region where Dazhai is located. Born in a peasant family, he worked as a cowherd for a long time before he entered the Art Department of the Tianjin Normal College. After his graduation in 1962, he took up teaching while continuing to create art in his spare time. Later he was an associate professor in the Hebei Light Industry College.

Although Qiao is mainly known for his portraits, he also creates Chinese paintings and New Year pictures. His poster "Commander-in-chief Zhu with children" from 1985 received a prize and was included in the collection of the China Art Gallery.