On 5 October 2022, Mae Fah Luang University organised the opening ceremony of the exhibition of the Buddhist Art Short Programme at ICONSIAM, Bangkok to promote the programme and showcase artworks of the 1st batch of graduates (academic year 2021).
In the opening ceremony, there were many honoured guests including H.E. Mr. Itthiphol Kunplome, Minister of Culture; Somdej Phra Maha Ratchamongkol Muni (Thongchai Dhammathacho), Sangha Supreme Middle Primate and Member of the Supreme Sangha Council of Monks; Assoc. Prof. Dr.Chayaporn Wattanasiri, President of Mae Fah Luang University; and Dr.Chalermchai Kositpipat, Thailand’s National Artist.
The Buddhist Art short programme has been initiated by Mae Fah Luang University, Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple), Rai Cherntawan International Meditation Center and a group of Chiang Rai Artists. This programme is a free short programme opening to learners who have talent and passion for Buddhist Art including monks, novices and the general public. All learners have equipped with aesthetic knowledge through the intensive theoretical and practical courses and applied that knowledge into the management, conservation, creation and promotion of Buddhist artworks to the society. Beginning in the academic year 2021, the programme has divided into three levels and taught by Chiang Rai's artists.
This exhibition has displayed not only artworks of the first batch of graduates of the Buddhist Art Short Programme but also artworks of experts, Chiang Rai’s artists and Thailand’s National Artists such as the Venerable Phra Medhivajirodom (V. Vajiramedhi), Dr.Chalermchai Kositpipat, Prof.Dr.Taworn Ko-udomwit, Assoc. Prof. Sriwan Janehuttakarnkit, Asst. Prof. Rawatsawat Vasitthakampol, Mr. Suwit Jaipom, Mr. Arin Rungjang, Mr. Suriya Namwong, Mr. Thanongsak Pakwan, Mr. Songdej Thipthong, Mr. Manit Kantasak, Mr. Wathit Sembut. Mr. Kajondet Niwyin, Mr. Watchara Kwangchai and Ms. Kanjana Chonsiri.
The exhibition is available until 31 October 2022 from 10.00 - 22.00 hrs. at the 8th floor, ICON Art & Culture Space, ICONSIAM, Bangkok.
