In a significant cultural development, the esteemed Ao Luek Prachasan School in Krabi Province has unveiled its inaugural art gallery, a venture set to grace the local artistic landscape. Embracing the vibrant spirit of creative expression, the gallery brings forth a curated collection showcasing the talents of 45 distinguished artists hailing from various southern provinces—Phuket, Phang Nga, Surat Thani, Phatthalung, Songkhla, and Krabi. Their diverse artistic endeavors, spanning painting, sculpture, mixed media, and more, find a permanent home within the gallery’s walls. Additionally, the gallery proudly hosts over 250 pieces by the school’s students and teachers, promising an enriching and visually stimulating experience for all.
On September 28, 2023, a momentous occasion marked the formal inauguration of this artistic haven. Special Colonel Sombat Suebthuam, Deputy Director of Internal Security in Krabi Province, presided over the opening ceremony at School Building 6 in Ao Luek District. The gallery is now set to welcome visitors from Monday to Friday throughout the year, offering a steady rhythm of creative inspiration.
Collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Culture, the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture, Krabi Provincial Cultural Office, and Ao Luek Prachasan School birthed this cultural initiative. The vision was clear—to establish a dynamic art gallery within the educational confines, primed to foster learning, appreciation, and dialogue about contemporary art. Moreover, it seeks to serve as a blueprint for integrating arts and culture into the educational fabric of Krabi Province, encouraging students, educators, and the community to delve into the world of artistic expression.
In addition to the exhibition, the gallery is set to become a hub of artistic exploration and education. A plethora of engaging activities are planned, inviting students to immerse themselves in various art-based learning experiences. These include bag painting, keychain making, and other educational initiatives aimed at nurturing artistic talents and fostering a deep understanding of contemporary art.
Special Colonel Sombat Suebthuam, acknowledging the crucial role of art galleries, emphasized their significance as vital repositories of cultural and artistic heritage. These institutions, he highlighted, serve as integral platforms for preservation, study, and public engagement with the rich tapestry of art and culture. Recognizing the potential of Ao Luek Prachasan School’s initiative, he lauded the school’s commitment to advancing arts and culture beyond traditional classroom settings, setting a commendable example for educational institutions to emulate. In doing so, Krabi Province emerges as a nucleus for cultural exchange, poised to embrace its creative spirit and carve a unique space on the contemporary arts scene.


