Chiang Mai Art Connecting (CMAC)
2019-09-01 - 2025-11-01 | Art Connecting, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand
An Ongoing Movement of Art and Exchange
Launched in late 2019, Chiangmai Art Connecting (CMAC) began as an extension of Hanoi Art Connecting, founded by Trinh Tuan of Asian Art Link (AAL). Initiated by La Luna Gallery as part of its founding vision, CMAC-I aimed to create a platform for artists across Southeast Asia to explore shared creativity and express complex emotions through visual language—often saying what words cannot.
In its inaugural edition, 19 artists came together, supported by AAL, Bluechips Microhouse, and La Luna Gallery. Workshops and collaborative art-making set the tone for what would become a recurring international initiative. However, just as the project was gaining momentum, the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world—and CMAC—to a pause.
In September 2020, amidst ongoing restrictions, La Luna Gallery hosted “Reconnecting”, a local exhibition that revived CMAC’s core purpose: fostering human connection through art. The original CMAC-I collection continued to be shown in rotation, keeping the spirit of exchange alive.
With global conditions improving, CMAC-II returned in 2023 under the theme “How the World Changed After the Pandemic.” This edition welcomed 35 artists from Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, and parts of Europe, expanding both the scope and impact of the project. Alongside exhibitions, lacquer painting demonstrations by AAL members deepened CMAC’s commitment to traditional craft and cultural sharing.
Following overwhelmingly positive feedback and increased engagement from artists and visitors alike, the organizing team—AAL, Bluechips Microhouse, La Luna Gallery, and Art Connecting—announced plans for CMAC-III, scheduled for November 2025. From this edition forward, CMAC will adopt a biennial format, continuing to bring artists together under evolving themes that spark dialogue, collaboration, and cross-cultural understanding.

Lacquer in the World: Route to the Root
2025-03-15 - 2027-01-11 | Art Connecting – Lacquer Center, Chang Moi Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
A Semi-Permanent Exhibition
Lacquer in the World: Route to the Root invites you on a journey into the world of lacquer—exploring its presence in design, daily life, international traditions, and scientific contexts. At the heart of this exhibition is the lacquer tree, source of the precious, natural material known as lacquer sap—a substance revered for its beauty and resilience.
Divided into three parts, the exhibition offers multiple entry points:

Part 1: Lacquer in Design and Daily Life
Part 2: International Lacquer
Part 3: Atlas of Lacquer

From practical techniques to cultural expressions, this show weaves together knowledge, craftsmanship, and contemporary interpretations—encouraging visitors to explore lacquer from many perspectives.
ArtistsBettina SchleierArchan KhunarupPhumrapee KongritDinh QuanTrinh TuanCong Kim HoaJin HuiYao JuweiLi GuangyaoOgura NorihikoTeruyo KatoSakurako MatsushimaNatthapol WannapornThanchanok Surinto
Lacquerware AssociatesEver Stand Lacquerware
Academic AssociatesTawatchai TumtongAssoc. Prof. Pitsamai Arwakulpanich – Fine Art, CMUAsst. Prof. Kittipong Ruenwong – Architecture, MJUPithakpong Baengthid – Architecture, MJUSurapong Techa – Architecture, MJU
