In an effort to strengthen our artist connection with neighboring countries, VAST-Bhutan met with artists and art organizations in Nepal in the end of March.  VAST artists visited the Fine Art Academy of Nepal, where they were welcomed by Nepalese artists who gave them a tour of their academy. Meeting many working artists and art professors, the VAST artists also visited the Academy’s on-going art exhibition which is raising funds for disabled children where some of the art was also produced by the disabled.
At the Academy, Asha Kama, founder of VAST-Bhutan, spoke about the art scene in Bhutan, and shared the experiences, vision and activities of  VAST-Bhutan. Nepalese artists also shared their experience, and the meeting was a truly cross-cultural interaction, where the artists from the two countries could share and learn from each other.

VAST also visited the Art Council of Nepal, where they met a few renowned senior artists.  Later, at the Kasthamandap Art Studio the Bhutanese artists re-connected with Nepalese artists who had previously visited Bhutan for a collaborative art project: the “Living Canvas.”

Around 50 well known artist from all over south Asia participated in this event. It was an honor for Six Vast artist to attend and represent Bhutan in the south Asian regional art exhibition.

This was the first time all the countries from the SAARC region participated in such an event. The SAARC Artist camp was an attempt to bring together artists of the SAARC Region to not only share their creative expressions, but also to share knowledge on the rich cultural expression they share in the form of art.

The SAARC Artist camp and exhibition was held and organized by the SAARC cultural Center, government of Maldives and the United Artist of Maldives.

This winter camp was an important step towards achieving VAST vision to establish a network troughout the country.

Starting this year “VAST Yangtse” was inguarated and will act as a center for art in Tashiyangtse. This would not have been possible without the interested and initiative of Sir Chojay and VAST member Sir Jigme Dorji who are currently school teachers and will be heading  “VAST Yangtse” as an art center in Trashiyangtse.

The eight day winter camp was lead by Asha Kama and Rajesh Gurung two of the three founders of VAST Bhutan and five senior member and tutors from VAST.The camp was attended by 120 participants including school students, students and teachers from Zhorigchusum and VAST student members from thimphu.

This winter camp was organised to train and encourage the artist from trashiyangtse to guide and organise art programs and trainings for anyone who might be interested to pursue art.

With the establishment of  “VAST YANGTSE” VAST Bhutan hopes that the people of trashiyangtse will benefit and get equal opportunity to learn and participate in all VAST programs.

Exhibition Date: 16th – 21st, Dec. 2012

ALAYA GALLERY/VAST Bhutan  |   TARAYANA CENTRE, CHUBACHU

The art of Giving is a unique event organized by ABS and VAST, where artists donate their artworks to rise fund for a cause. It’s exiciting and excluscive opportunity to buy artworks at throw away prices and contribute towards Ability Bhutan Society.

Ability Bhutan Society (ABS) is a Public Benefit Orginisation inspired by His Majesty the king’s vision of compassionate and just soceity.

Under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck. ABS’s mission is to enhance quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities by creating collaborative, meaningful and inclusive education programs in least restrictive environments, so that children can grow to be independent and productive members of our Bhutanese society.

ABS works in partnership with families, communities, governmental and non-governmental organizations.

Please Click here to see more Pictures  http://www.facebook.com/VASTBhutan

Voluntary Artists’ Studio, Thimphu, popularly known as VAST was set up in 1998 by a group of professional artists as a non profitable and non governmental organization (NGO). This informal organization was set up with the sole aim of providing an opportunity to the Bhutanese youth to participate and develop their potential talents as well as share social responsibilities through artistic explorations and other socially useful and productive work.

Atsuko Takai Japanese Contemporary Artist

Her artworks offer a fresh perspective on daily familiar things we generally take for granted, which only through the eyes of an artist take on a different hue and meaning.

Every one is invited and Please join the celebration and participate in the open art competition… and please spread the word…. The festival is for 2 days from 9am to 6pm.