Hi,
This weekend was filled with artistic activities. Two openings with lots of friends, music, art, and laughter. What could be better?
The 'Old School Friday' tune was The Temptations singing "The Way You Do The Things You Do". It's nice that so many of you remembered it. Keep your memory hats on as we move to 'Easy Monday'. "Like a fool I went and stayed too long, now I'm wondering if your love's still strong. Oo baby, here I am, __, __, __, __ __." Hint: This is an easy one with a 'postal' reference.
Saturday evening was the grand opening of NorThai (for Northern Thailand). There was a large turn-out from the expat and Thai communities for this debut of a very unique operation. When we entered, we were greeted by young people offering us food and drink. They were all wearing one of the signature T-shirts with the NorThai logo. We browsed the merchandise that included shirts, calendars, and custom-made soaps. When we went up to the second level we noticed some new additions. There were two leather couches for hanging out, lit by some very artistic lamps. We also checked out the hand-made products for sale by local artisans. On the third level we discovered where the music was coming from. It was a string ensemble from the Chiang Rai Youth Orchestra. They played all evening and it added a nice touch. This level is the art gallery and the exhibit consisted of three prominent Chiang Rai artists. On the fourth level we enjoyed the art works of our host, Martin Doyle. His work is all done using wood instead of canvas. NorThai is to be a community center for creative activities, a place for sharing information, and a spot to have coffee, a meal, or hang out. Here is a photo of the front of the building the night of the opening. (The white space is actually a lighted sign the washed out in the photo)
NorThai
On Sunday we went to 9 Art Gallery for the opening of a new exhibit featuring 5 artists. There were some very fresh ideas presented in the work of some of the artists. Everything from wire sculptures of celebrities to new work that looked like an ancient antique canvas. The whole community is buzzing about the Art Bridge Project and the coming events to promote it. On December 2 we will take part in a bamboo lamp making evening. The evening of December 7 there will be a musical fundraiser. The building where the project will call 'home' is being renovated and the opening will be early next year.
In between those two events life went on as usual. This morning we went into town, dropped the car for an overdue washing, and walked some errands (as opposed to 'ran some errands'). The 'High Season' is in full effect in Chiang Rai. There are tour vans and busses all over town. We're happy for the local merchants who are benefiting from the additional attention.
Have a Great Week.
Peace,
Danny
to find out if they've got a second.
Give your dreams all you've got and
you'll be amazed at the energy that comes out of you."
~William James
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
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