Art Exhibitions in Chiangmai

Several exhibitions are going on during December and January, 2006. Exhibitions take place in private galleries such as La Luna Gallery on Charoenrasd Road and at the Art Museum in Chiang Mai University on Nimmanhemin Road. The Chiangmai City Arts & Culture Museum, at Three Kings Statue, is fascinating with permanent exhibition on two floors as well as revolving exhibition on the first floor. Read the details in the Around Town with Marji monthly article.

Thai Orchids Exhibition
January 20-22, 2006

The Foundation of Native Orchids holds an Orchid Drawing Contest for Youth on January 21 from 8 am to 2. pm at the Mae Jo University. The contest is open to to four age groups : 5 to 8 years, 9 to 12 years, 13 to 15 years and 16 to 18 years. For more information phone 053 873 950 or 053 873 340.

In the cool, cool of the evening
Throughout December & January

Stroll with your darling, during the cool winter evenings at the Suan Buak Had Park located in the southwest corner of the old moat.

Doi Kham Royal Project Fair
December 22-25, 2005

FRESH produce at its best can be found at the 18th Doi Kham Royal Project Fair between 10.00 am. and 8.00 pm. at the Chiang Mai University Art Museum on Nimmanhemin Road.

The objectives of the fair are create public awareness of the Royal Project Foundation and the excellent products that it markets under the Doi Kham brand-- tinned fruits, vegetables and handicrafts, a cooking demonstration and a show featuring the art of food decoration. Shoppers can buy fresh cut flowers, fruit and vegetables fresh from the farms as supplies are brought in daily for shoppers' best choice.

Christmas & New Year Festival
Dec 24-25 and
Dec 31, January 1

See our Holiday Events column on page 26 for suggested places to celebrate these joyful holidays with friends and family close by.

Chiangmai Red Cross Winter Fair
December 30- January 12, 2006

This annual fair is a large and splendid provincial event for much of the province's agricultural population. Entertainment galore, games and activities for children and grown-ups alike. The biggest crowd pleaser is the Miss Chiangmai Beauty Pageant held in the evening and nationally televised. This site of this year's fair is behind the Chiangmai Provincial Hall, Chiangmai-Mae Rim Road.

Chiang Mai Art Market
Every Sunday evening until
February 2006

Walking Street whosts a new event behind the Art & Cultural Center from the hours of 5.30 pm to 10 pm. Here on display will be all types of art produced by Chiang Mai Artists. Look forward to folk entertainment as well as shopping for handicrafts and handwoven textiles famous in this Province.

Animal Lovers Days
Dec 17 to 18, 2005

Dogs and cats of many breeds, sizes and colors will be competing for prizes at this 4th annual event held at Gymnasium 2, of the 700 Year Anniversary Stadium. Contests from 8 am to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Free Admission.

Sankampaeng
Umbrella Festival
January 20-22, 2006

THE UMBRELLA FESTIVAL, one of the most popular annual festivals in Chiangmai Province, is celebrated at Borsarng Village in the Sankampaeng District. It is located 12 kms. from the inner city of Chiangmai, or 9 kms. from the Superhighway intersection (see our Maps)

Everyday in Borsarng, you will see umbrellas as you've rarely seen before - Umbrellas to keep the rain off, parasols to keep the sun off, tiny umbrellas to decorate a cocktail glass and huge umbrellas to enhance your garden, patio or terrace. Some are made from stretched cotton over bamboo and are undecorated plain and simple - while others, made from specially prepared mulberry (saa) paper are a riot of color and exotic scenes of Thailand and nature. These items are always popular with visitors to ship back home.

There are parades along the main street of the village each day of the festival, but the biggest parade is on the opening day (Fri, Jan 20). This parade features traditional ancient bells, drums and Lanna musical instruments, ‘fingernail' and tribal dancers, processions of floats decorated with painted umbrellas, beauty contestants, Lanna costumes and traditional offerings for monks. There is a beauty contest, woodcarving contests plus fan and umbrella painting contests. The entire village gets involved in the contest for best decorated shops.