Marion Vogt
On July 4, 1776, America claimed its
independence, formalized with the signing of the Declaration of Independence
from England and a democracy was born. 227 years later, this day is still
celebrated by Americans around the globe.
The
Payap Choral Group entertained with gospels and songs from Sister Act.
Practicing
the National Anthems - or was it a casting for the Choral Society? From left
Thomas Baude, Hon. Consul of France, Richard L. Deming, PhD, Professor Cal.
State University, Michael Vogt, MD Chiangmai Mail, Preecha Pongcharoenkul,
President Lanna Condo; Eric Rubin, Consul General of the United States of
America and Mathew Abraham, Consul of India.
Relaxed,
eating hot dogs and cheesecake as it should be done on Independence Day.
From left Paul Mahoney, Becky Lomax, Bud Velat and Suchid von Boehm-Bezing.
The
Choral Society dressed in the colors of the USA shortly before their
patriotic performance which had everyone joining in at the end.
The birth and growth of the United States
of America is of fairly recent origin, especially compared to countries in
Asia and Europe. However, none have experienced such a huge growth with
people coming from so many different places, all integrated today to belong
to the United States of America. They came in thousands to the “land of
the free and the home of the brave”, so their American dream could begin,
making the United States a nation made up of so many dynamic cultures and
peoples.
The US Consulate of Chiang Mai, the
USA’s sole consular presence outside Bangkok, invited all US passport
holders and their friends to an afternoon of fun, music and entertainment.
The US community of north Thailand numbers about 2,000, most of whom live in
Chiang Mai and as the afternoon proceeded, it looked as if most of them were
gathering at the US Consulate.
One of the largest groups of American
citizens in northern Thailand is composed of missionaries, many of whom are
second or even third generation residents. The US missionaries in the early
part of the 20th century founded still prominent institutions, including
McCormick Hospital, McKean Rehabilitation Center (formerly a leprosy
asylum), Prince Royal’s College, and Dara Academy, as well as, more
recently, Payap University.
Consul
General Eric Rubin and daughter, together with Professor Richard L. Deming
and three exchange students Daphyne, Veronica and Omar who seemed to be
quite happy to celebrate Independence Day in Thailand.
Andrew
McCrady, vice principal of Payap International School with his family in
this ‘tricycle’. They sat relaxed in the back while Daddy did his daily
exercise.
Andrew
McCrady, vice principal of Payap International School with his family in
this ‘tricycle’. They sat relaxed in the back while Daddy did his daily
exercise.Which one is Elvis? The tall guy from the audience who joined in or
was it the smaller one in red?
Some of
the truly elegant ladies during the formal evening, from left Yowvares
Shinawatra, Ornadda Tantipat, Nicole Simmons, Somboon Suprasert (Auntie
Boon) and Hope Watcharaprecha.
Mrs.
Marianne Willemse from ‘Love Animal House’, who told people about her
education center and sanctuary. Her book, a true story about an orphaned
elephant that is ‘adopted’ by an Indian rhino sold like hotcakes.
That’s
how some adults got rid of energy...
The previous evening, July 3rd, Consul
General Eric Rubin and Nicole Simmons invited business people, colleagues,
friends, and VIPs to a formal reception at the Consulate, where the garden
was set up like an American garden movie set. Elegant people, a quintet in
tuxedos playing background music, an all American BBQ and a joint speech by
Consul General Eric Rubin and Chiang Mai Governor Suwat Tantipat gave it a
very warm and special touch. It was especially stirring when all the guests
listened to the National Anthems of both countries, Thailand and the United
States of America, ending with a champagne toast to ongoing good
relationships.
The next afternoon - the 4th of July - the
gardens were transformed, full of partygoers, tents in the colors of the
USA, children in a party mood, and the air filled with the smell of
hamburgers and BBQ ribs. The day was filled with different performances by
well known bands, brass bands, choirs, raffle prizes and the US Consulate
even made it possible for the audience to believe that Elvis still lives,
all ending with spectacular fireworks, which made it a truly unforgettable
experience.
They
really enjoyed the whole day. From left Karen Kemp from Regent Chiang Mai,
Kathy Heinecken with grandson Zachery and Sherry Heinecken.
Most
girls tried their designing skills at ‘jewelry making’ - they already
know that ‘diamonds are a girl’s best friend’.
Tug of
War - helped the kids get rid of some energy.
Marion Vogt
The Gong Dee Studio, on Nimmanhaemin Soi 1, was the host
venue for four young, talented Thai artists presenting their first formal
exhibition.
Some of
Wattanapong’s colorful and most emotive paintings.
Relaxing
Body and Mind - the four artists with their patron (from left): Tirawat
Sangpheung, Vichit Chaiwong MD Gong Dee Gallery, Eakachai Boontavee,
Watchara Hongthong and Wattanapong Yothaitiang.
Beauty
of the Mind, concentration and hard work stands behind an artistic Thai
dance. In the background Watchara’s work is displayed which fits this type
of performance.
Following the opening ceremony a very special Thai Dance
was performed fitting the theme of the exhibition ‘Beauty & Mind’.
The event was so popular there was standing room only for some of the guests
and art lovers.
The four artists are all around 25 years old, but
displayed their individual styles in art.
Wattanapong Yothaitiang expressed himself through colors
and symbolism. Beautiful colors of different seasons, soft pastel shades,
different size canvases, mysterious, spiritual and emotional.
Tirawat Sangpheung has all his paintings done in one size
and even the colors he uses stay similar. Even so, every single one of his
Black and White abstract series has a totally different character.
Eakachai Boontavee’s paintings have a very modern
touch. They impart a ‘deja vu’ impression on one side but looking more
deeply at the canvases you feel the genuine originality in every one.
Watchara Hongthong seemed to be the most serious of the
four artists. While the paintings of the other three were very modern and
trendy, Watchara concentrated completely on Buddha images in mostly brown,
dark red and gold tones.
The exhibition is a great mixture of artists, with something for
everybody. It will remain open until July 28th at Gong Dee Studio.
