Closing Out the Art Learning Centre @ MRT Phahon Yothin Station: Building Art Skills and Opening Doors to University

Recently, Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BEM) awarded certificates to scholarship students who completed Art Training courses under the Art Learning Centre @ MRT Phahon Yothin Station in this year's final program. The initiative was designed to develop artistic skills among interested youth and inspire the next generation through intensive instruction over four months led by Master watercolor artist Bounkwang Nontcharoen and special instructor Pitsanu Varangrak from the Faculty of Architecture at King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang. Throughout the curriculum, both instructors systematically developed students' skills from basic line drawing and creative illustration through creative thinking processes, culminating in the creation of distinctive works and portfolios for university applications.

Phurichaya Bunlue, a Grade 6 student from Phra Hruay Nonthaburi School and program participant, shared: "The knowledge and works I gained from this course helped me develop a portfolio for university applications, and I've been accepted to Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Fine Arts. This program provided comprehensive artistic knowledge and experience. The instructors taught drawing techniques in multiple forms, covering thinking processes, analysis, and systematic work development that can be applied both in academics and real life, as well as in future careers."

Phutsanisaa Kaewdilert, another Grade 6 student from Amatayakul School, noted: "I've been selected for King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang's Faculty of Fine Arts, Media Arts program. The program was quite different from what I expected. I thought it would be general intensive art training focused mainly on copying or drawing from objects, but the benefits far exceeded my expectations. Both the instructors and classmates offered diverse artistic perspectives, opening new experiences through idea exchange. The teaching techniques were easy to understand, especially observation techniques—a crucial skill in drawing. I practiced observing proportions, object details, light and shadow, which has given me clearer vision and further developed my skills."

Nesmata Lalitingkhorojn, a Grade 5 student from Srinakharinwirot University Demonstration School Prasarnmit, described her experience: "My favorite topic was proportions. After learning framing techniques, left-right comparisons, and composition arrangement, I understood these concepts and could apply them much better to actual works. This course serves as excellent preparation for university entrance selection, continuously developing practical skills to create the best work in my own style."

The Art Training program under the Art Learning Centre @ MRT Phahon Yothin Station successfully concluded the year's final course, marking another important step for youth pursuing a solid path in the arts.