Thai Artist Bon’s unusual work goes on show in Patong, with part of the proceeds going to charity.

Thailand has always been a sponge, soaking up outside influences. Watch Thai TV any day and and you’ll see ads full of references to Western culture and, to a growing extent, Japanese and Korean influences.

Works of art donated by internationally-renowned artists, galleries and local children will be up for sale on December 9 at Hung Fat’s restaurant, Kalim Beach, with all proceeds to go to the Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation.

The work of highly talented Thai artist Kwanchai Lichaikul will go on display in Phuket on October 24.

Phuket Fashion Week took place at Jungceylon shopping center on June 24th to 30th, 3009.

&Joy! Creative Lifestyle Boutique and Gallery, which soft-opened just a month ago not far from Laguna, will open its first exhibition, “Exploring Love” by Thai artist Nino Sarabutra on April 17.

Exploring Love is a wall installation of heart-shape stoneware bowls. Each is hand-made, as the artist (who, when she’s not pottering about, is a successful advertising creative director) explains, “In working with these bowls, I keep exploring,” she says. “It’s just like love. I never knew how each one would turn out. Every bowl was different; different clay, different glaze, different temperature, different degrees of care and attention.

Just as elsewhere, the energy and talent of some of the top graffiti artists has attracted buyers and patrons and has moved the art from the street into art galleries. One such exhibition has just opened at Gallery 346 in Phuket Town, showcasing work by d.e.a., aka Kitja Yamunsabedin, and TG, aka TorLarb Intararuensorn.

Gallery 346 is at the intersection of Phuket Road and Kra Road in Phuket Town, not far from the Robinson department store. Apart from the gallery, the building also contains a café and three basic but cheerfully comfortable guest rooms. The exhibition continues until mid-June and is open to all.