CHIANG RAI – More than 20 alumni artists from Chiang Rai Vocational College returned to their former school for the fourth “From Seniors to Juniors” program. The daylong event gave current students hands-on lessons in art and vocational skills, along with a chance to learn from alumni working in creative fields.
Led by Suwit Jaipom and Kamon Sarikanon, the alumni group volunteered their time to teach and connect with students in the college’s art department. The program, titled “Learning Activities for Career Development,” brought the generations together through practical workshops and conversations about life and work after graduation.
College director Oraphin Duangkaew welcomed the alumni and officially opened the event. She said the reunion showed the close ties among Chiang Rai vocational graduates and praised the alumni for returning to share their knowledge. The college also expressed its support for holding similar activities in the years ahead.
Suwit Jaipom, speaking on behalf of the alumni, said the group has organized the program four times. Although graduates have since moved into different careers, and some now live far away in Bangkok, they make an effort to return whenever they can. Their goal is to give students direct experience, answer questions, and offer practical perspectives before they enter the workplace.
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., students took part in six learning stations on the ground floor of Building 7. Professional artists guided each workshop and shared techniques students could use in their own work:
- Watercolor painting: Students practiced watercolor techniques and created artwork inspired by their own ideas.
- Landscape drawing: Participants learned about landscape composition and practiced drawing from a reference.
- Video production: Students explored how to film with a mobile phone, tell a story through images, and edit short clips around a compelling topic.
- Caricature drawing: The workshop covered observation and caricature techniques, with students encouraged to develop their own styles.
- Thai pattern drawing: Participants learned the basics of sketching and drawing traditional Thai patterns.
- Portrait drawing: Students practiced observing a subject, selecting and using art materials, and applying techniques to create portraits.
At lunchtime, alumni and students shared a meal and caught up with one another. Other graduates who couldn’t attend because of work or travel sent messages of support to the group.
The event came together through cooperation between the college, supporters who provided art supplies, and the alumni who led the workshops. Their time and guidance gave students a chance to learn directly from working artists, while renewing the connection between the college and its graduates.
