On Saturday, 9 May, NIST International School hosted its inaugural auction fundraising event, AuctioNIST. With an array of splendid art pieces available to suit all palates and prices, the evening included canapés, wine and the opportunity to win fabulous door prizes. Dozens of beautiful pieces produced by students, staff, parents and friends of NIST were available, and proceeds from both the online auction and live event were put toward a good cause: the acquisition of resources for our new libraries and World Languages Centre, and support for the NIST Development Bank (NDB).
The NDB is a student-run organization that supports development projects in Thailand and around Southeast Asia. Using a microfinance model, it funds service groups and projects that directly impact the lives of those living in communities in need. With their support, NIST students have applied needs analysis tools to projects in Maeramit, Omgoi and Knapor, Cambodia. This has led to significant improvements in the quality of life for those villages.
AuctioNIST was the first fundraising event targeted specifically at generating learning resources at NIST that can be used to support other communities around the nation, both through the NDB and through learning materials that support the service learning philosophy.
In addition to artwork from NIST students, parents and staff, several items were generously donated by well-known artists and organizations in the Bangkok community, including:
- Peking glass vases from famed artisan Alexander Lamont
- Photography from Time Magazine, National Geographic and The Guardian contributor Ben Davies
- Photography from Charles Dharapak, Asia-Pacific Regional Photo Editor for the Associated Press
- Paintings by local artist Josephus Bartin
- A painting from the Bangkok-based Paron School of Art
- An antique ornamental vase donated by Phillip Van Heusen
- A print on canvas from artist and performer Sejal Surendra Sood
- An antique Chinese rice scoop donated by Bangkok antique shop Yesterday OnceAgain
- Photography from Helen Mitchell, whose work has been featured in Australia, Thailand and Fiji
- A patachitra (raw silk) painting from artist Neerja Tata
- An antique Thai boat rudder donated from the Bangkok-based Paul’s Antiques
- A mixed media piece by conceptual artist Penelope Meniere
