For over seven decades, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of the Ninth Reign have tirelessly worked to alleviate the suffering and improve the well-being of all Thai people. They have traveled extensively throughout the country to visit their subjects. In recognition of their immense kindness and on the auspicious occasion of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's 85th birthday, the Support Foundation of the Arts and Crafts of Thailand, in collaboration with Central Department Store and Central Embassy, and with the support of Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Limited, is organizing the exhibition "From the Mountains to...Silpa Bhisek: 70 Years of Heaven in the Frame." This exhibition aims to showcase the beautiful deeds and conduct of Their Majesties, who have provided sustainable assistance to the Thai hill tribes, improving their lives. The exhibition will feature Their Majesties' work table and handwritten notes, reflecting their deep concern for their people.

Exhibition of "King Above the Sky, Queen Above Dreams" and "Record of the Father"

This exhibition showcases the works of Professor Nanthapong Sinsawat, an expert in prototype embroidery painting and the Royal Project, who has created "King Above the Sky, Queen Above Dreams" and "Record of the Father" using special techniques. The exhibition also features 40 exquisite mixed-media artworks made with hand-woven fabrics by Thai hill tribe people.

The exhibition aims to tell the story of the King's great kindness and encourage support for Thai hill tribe fabric products and other products from the SUPPORT Foundation. It is located at The Event Hall, 3rd floor, Central Chidlom and G floor, Central Embassy. Today, August 16, 2017, is the last day of the exhibition.

The recent exhibition opening ceremony was held at The Event Hall, 3rd floor, Central Chidlom Department Store. The event was honored by the presence of Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, as the presiding officer, along with H.E. Mrs. Kshenuka Dhireni Senewiratne, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Thailand, Sirikhet Chirakiti, Co-President of Central Department Store Co., Ltd., Ariya Phuphanich, Senior Executive Vice President, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Image and Communication, Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Limited, and Professor Nanthapong Sinsawat, expert in prototype painting for embroidery, Royal Projects, as well as celebrities such as Chulita Areepipatkul, Ariya Kanjanapongkul, ML Punyanuch Kasemsan Dulayajinda, Nakorn Sampantharak, Vorakorn Jatikavanich, Polpat Asavaprapha, and Manunseni Footrakool.

Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul stated at the event that, "For over seven decades, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of the Ninth Reign worked diligently, traveling to visit people in all corners of the country, even in remote mountainous areas that many had never reached. From the moment they first laid eyes on the land filled with opium poppy fields and forests cleared for shifting cultivation, Their Majesties graciously bestowed royal initiatives upon the hill tribe people to transform their livelihoods through the cultivation of temperate fruits for sustenance."

"The local handicrafts have been developed into supplementary occupations, generating sufficient income for households. This has also led to the current generation of Thai hill tribe people having the knowledge and understanding to live happily without destroying the ecosystem. This is a beautiful result of royal kindness, which also preserves the unique and invaluable artistic heritage of the Thai hill tribes for future generations." Minister Kobkarn said with gratitude.

Sirikit Jiarakiat stated that "Central Department Store and Central Embassy are hosting the exhibition 'From the Mountains to...Silpa Chiwit: 70 Years of the Sky in the Frame' in collaboration with the Support Foundation for the Queen Sirikit's Arts of the Kingdom, sponsored by Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Limited. The exhibition aims to showcase the exemplary deeds and conduct of Their Majesties, who have provided assistance to the Thai hill tribes, enabling them to achieve sustainable well-being and consistently preserving and developing their handicraft works."

The exhibition features a royal desk with handwritten notes reflecting the King's concern for his people. It also showcases contemporary artworks titled "King Above the Sky, Queen Above Dreams" and "The King's Records," created using special techniques by Professor Nanthapong Sinsawat. Additionally, 40 exquisite mixed-media artworks incorporating fabrics from Thai hill tribes are on display. Visitors can also purchase Thai hill tribe fabrics and other products from the Support Foundation for the Promotion of Arts and Crafts. Admission is free, and the organizers believe the exhibition will attract a large audience due to its convenient location and amenities.

Professor Nantapong Sinsawat, an expert in prototype painting for embroidery and the Royal Project's Arts and Crafts, expressed his feelings about creating works for this exhibition: "It is a great honor to have the opportunity to use my knowledge and skills to serve under the auspices of the Royal Patronage in the Support Foundation for Arts and Crafts. I have been entrusted with the task of designing and conveying the beauty of Thai hill tribe handicrafts from the Royal Project and the Arts and Crafts through this exhibition. All the artworks have been created by the skilled members of the Arts and Crafts, who are dedicated to showcasing the beauty of Thai hill tribe handicrafts. These works reflect the beauty beneath the fabric, a beauty born from the royal grace that has bestowed a new livelihood upon the Thai hill tribe people. They also help to preserve the unique and invaluable beauty of Thai hill tribe handicrafts for future generations. This exhibition is the greatest honor of my life, as it allows me to dedicate my work with the utmost loyalty, using all my strength and intelligence to create each piece."

The exhibition layout allocates space as follows:

The Event Hall on the 3rd floor of Central Chidlom features 4 zones:

7 Decades Under His Majesty's Grace: Encounter the contemporary art of the royal portrait "King Above the Sky, Queen Above Dreams" at Central Department Store, which co-sponsored the creation of the artwork using a special mixed media technique on warp threads, inspired by the warp threads on a loom. The concept of the artwork comes from the idea that the King is more than a mythical god in the sky, alongside a queen who embodies the goodness beyond the dreams of the Thai people.

**From the Mountains to... 70 Years of Royal Arts and Crafts: The Sky in a Frame** This zone showcases the royal table used for official visits to the people, along with handwritten letters reflecting the King's concern for his subjects. These exhibits offer a glimpse into the King's work that many may not be aware of. Encounter the "Father's Records" artwork, created using a special technique of meticulously stitching together silk fabric rolls that have been shaded and layered to create depth. The artwork draws inspiration from the long-standing bond of love, goodwill, and friendship between the King and Queen and the people of the mountains. Marvel at 40 exquisite mixed-media artworks incorporating Hmong textiles that narrate the King's benevolence. Additionally, the exhibition features rare traditional costumes of the six Hmong tribes.

Point of sale for products from Thai hill tribe people: Support the purchase of Thai hill tribe fabric products, intricate and exquisite patterns, and various products from the SUPPORT Foundation.

Photo opportunity: Enjoy taking photos in various Thai hill tribe costumes with a backdrop of Thai hill tribe life amidst a mist-shrouded Queen Sirikit Rose Garden.

At the connecting area between Central Chidlom and Central Embassy shopping centers: Admire the exhibition of children's art paintings, reflecting the consciousness of young people from the hill tribes and their attitudes towards living in accordance with the royal aspirations for the future. The exhibition is a continuation of the great kindness bestowed upon the hill tribe people by Their Majesties the King and Queen.

A Showcase of Exquisite Handicrafts at THAITHAI and THE BALCONY

From August 10th to 13th, 2017, the THAITHAI zone on the 2nd floor of Central Chidlom will host a captivating exhibition of products from the Support Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques. Similarly, from now until August 16th, 2017, the THE BALCONY zone on the 2nd floor of Central Embassy will offer a similar showcase.

These events present an exceptional opportunity to explore and acquire a diverse range of handcrafted products at affordable prices. Visitors can expect to find an array of exquisite items, including cotton fabrics, silk, and embroidered textiles adorned with intricate designs, all meticulously crafted by members of the Support Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques.

This exhibition promises a truly immersive experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the artistry and cultural heritage embedded in each unique piece.

G Floor, Central Embassy: Immerse yourself in a magnificent contemporary art exhibition under the concept of "The Chronicle of Giving." Celebrate the royal grace bestowed upon the development of the lives of the hill tribe people through a large-scale camera artwork, featuring a unique design inspired by the craftsmanship of the hill tribes.

"From the Mountains to...Silpa Chiwit: 70 Years of the Sky in a Frame" Exhibition at The Event Hall, 3rd Floor, Central Chidlom and Central Embassy. Today is the last day! You have time from now until 10:00 PM to visit for free!