Sweet treats in Paradise

PARADISE PARK Shopping Centre recently announced the winners of its fourth “Art in Paradise Contest 2015”, which was launched a few months ago to encourage high school students to showcase their talents and put their imaginations to work.

Students from Nakaesamakkiwittaya School in Nakhon Phanom Province picked up the grand prize with “Candy Paradise”, a sculpture about the world of children. Judges were enthusiastic about the design of the sculpture, which they said showed harmony between the contents and the concept.

“The concept came from our dreams and how we imagined paradise as kids. At that time, there was nothing we wanted more than dolls, fairies and candies. So, we transformed our childhood dreams into a world of candies that is a child’s haven. In this world, you can travel by flying trains towards islands full of candies and endless happiness,” said one of six students, who received a trophy of Her Royal Highness Siribhachudhabhorn, scholarships, certificates, and round trip airline tickets Bangkok-Macau.

The first runner-up was “Paradise Park Happiness” from the students of Ban Na Dokmai School in Loei, which earned them scholarships valued at Bt30,000, a certificate, and Bangkok-Macau tickets. The second runner-up prize went to “Dream Keeper Box” by Promanusorn School in Phetchaburi, who received scholarships valued at Bt20,000, a certificate, and Bangkok-Macau round-trip plane tickets.

“The output of these high-school students is amazing. Each team brings to the table its uniqueness in various forms, including colours. I think that the winning work, ‘Candy Paradise’, is a perfect combination of dimensions, colours, and structure. As a former art student, I appreciate all Paradise Park has done for our young students, including offering them a stage to demonstrate their skills and encouraging them to take art to the next level,” said designer Nicha Thanalongkorn, creative director of her brand Nicha.

“These young folks are highly capable. Judging from their works, each of the teams is highly creative and blessed with imagination as well as the selection of proper materials,” added Chira “Gui” Chirapravati Na Ayudhya, former bassist with modern rock band Samurai Loud.

“Having organised the competition for the past three years, it is clear that the potential in arts of our young people is second to none. We will continue to hold this annual event as a forum for them to demonstrate their skills and imagination and to enable them to enjoy quality time,” said Sahuppak Chokvijitkul, an executive of the shopping centre.