The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘Give to Gain’, a call to embrace generosity, collaboration and the power of reciprocity. When we share our time, creativity and support with others, we strengthen our communities and grow ourselves in the process.
In this spirit, Bangkok Patana School is proud to recognise nine female members of staff whose creative work reflects this ethos. All nine participated in last year’s inaugural TAPs exhibition, a CPL initiative celebrating the artistic practice of educators, and were recently featured at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre as part of the exhibition The Art of Giving.
Through the TAPs programme, these artist-educators explore the relationship between creative practice, professional identity and the causes they care deeply about. Their work reflects the many ways educators give: to themselves through creative exploration, to their communities through shared stories, and to others through generosity, advocacy and connection.
Below, we celebrate the nine artists whose work embodies these ideas.
Areeluck Songsirikul, Primary Art Technician
Known to students as Miss Nina, Areeluck Songsirikul has been a valued member of the Primary Art team since 2014. Her paper-cut artwork ‘Miss Primm’ reflects the quiet joy that grows when we extend kindness to others. Resting on crimson blossoms and supported by branching forms symbolising strength and community, the figure reminds us that generosity can become a lasting source of inner strength.
Through the TAPs programme, Nina has embraced new ways to share her creativity within the school community, celebrating spontaneity, resourcefulness and the beauty of everyday moments.
Cindy Adair, Cross Campus Principal
Patana’s Cross Campus Principal, Cindy Adair, balances a busy leadership role with a curiosity for creative exploration whenever time allows. A passionate advocate for environmental awareness, Cindy’s artistic work often reflects her deep connection to the natural world.
Her digital collage ‘Songs Interrupted’ confronts the global crisis of whaling and ocean exploitation. Layered whales move across maps and fragments of plastic debris, symbolising migration routes threatened by pollution and geopolitics. Inspired by Cindy’s fascination with whales, the piece blends beauty with stark imagery to highlight the urgency of protecting our oceans.
Duangporn (Duang) Turongratanachai, Secondary Librarian
In her free time, Khun Duang is rarely far from something creative, whether practising the violin, viola or guitar, or working on her latest crochet project. A Media Librarian at Bangkok Patana School, she enjoys exploring different forms of creativity that bring both calm and joy.
Her collection ‘Daily Stitch by D’ features crocheted pouches and bag charms, created using techniques she began learning only recently. Inspired by a growth mindset, Duang persevered through the early frustrations of learning to crochet and quickly discovered a passion for the craft. Since May 2024, she has created nearly 100 handmade pieces. She has embraced crochet not only as a creative outlet but also as a way to give back. Many of her handmade creations are gifted to others or donated to children in need, reflecting her belief that even small acts of generosity can bring happiness and connection.
Kate McClenghan, Primary Support for Learning Teacher
Kate McClenaghan is a Support for Learning teacher in the Primary School, currently working with Year 6 students. Now in her 17th year at Bangkok Patana, she is dedicated to supporting learners with diverse needs and creating inclusive learning environments where every student can thrive. Her artistic journey began during the pandemic when online art classes sparked a renewed interest in drawing and painting. Her work explores pen and ink combined with watercolour pencil, creating delicate textures and natural tones inspired largely by the natural world.
Through art, Kate found the structure, motivation and collaborative encouragement to continue developing her artistic practice. The process has not only strengthened her creativity but also deepened her appreciation for the perseverance and vulnerability students demonstrate in their own learning journeys.
Marie-Claire Redman, Secondary Art Teacher
Marie-Claire Redman, known to many as M-C, is one of Patana’s dynamic Secondary Art teachers. Alongside inspiring young artists in the classroom, she maintains an active artistic practice and has exhibited her work internationally. Her piece ‘Artefact #1’ forms part of a wider series exploring society’s relationship with imagery and how the value we place on images has shifted in the digital age. Drawing on found objects and cultural references, the piece acts as a visual time capsule, reflecting how images shape our understanding of ourselves and the world.
Through the TAPs programme, M-C continues to explore new creative pathways alongside her teaching practice, experimenting with techniques and visual language influenced by both Western artistic traditions and the rich visual culture of Southeast Asia.
Pimpakarn (Jam) Abhinoraseth, Graphic Designer
A member of Patana’s Marketing team, Khun Jam is often found behind the camera or designing visuals that capture life across the school. While her professional work is primarily digital, in her spare time she enjoys exploring more tactile forms of creativity.
Her oil painting ‘Love’ captures the delicate moment of receiving a first bouquet from a loved one. The piece reflects the importance of honouring women through recognition, equality and genuine care, reminding us that love in all its forms begins with dignity and respect. For Jam, working with oil paint offers a refreshing contrast to digital design, allowing her to explore colour, texture and emotion while embracing spontaneity and imperfection.
Purnima Ghogar Ruangletrbutr, Secondary English Teacher & TAPs Project Lead
As the project lead of our TAPs programme and curator of the recent exhibition at the BACC, Purnima embodies the strong connection between teaching and creative practice. A Secondary English teacher, writer, performance poet and multidisciplinary artist, she is passionate about helping students discover their voices through literature, visual art and storytelling.
Her artwork ‘The Marks of Womanhood’ (digital print, charcoal, pen and ink) forms part of a wider series exploring the many faces of womanhood. Inspired by underrepresented communities in India, the piece celebrates ethnic diversity, dignity and equality through traditional attire, cultural symbolism and layered visual storytelling.
Through both her artistic practice and her teaching, Purnima champions the transformative power of the arts to amplify diverse voices, explore cultural identity and inspire meaningful conversations.
Sathita (Waree) Kitcharoenthumrong, Secondary Librarian
Creativity is clearly flourishing in our libraries, with Khun Waree becoming the second librarian featured in the exhibition. Alongside her role supporting students’ love of reading and research, she has developed a passion for sewing, a craft that has brought her both personal fulfilment and opportunities to give back to others. Her journey into sewing began more than a decade ago after an accident left her in a wheelchair for several months. A sewing machine, originally given as a Mother’s Day gift, became her companion during recovery and opened the door to a new creative path. What began as a personal outlet soon grew into a meaningful way to connect with others and support her community.
Tidarat (Kung) Tonasut, Secondary Arts Technician
Alongside her role as Secondary Arts Technician, Khun Kung nurtures a vibrant artistic practice, creating imaginative paintings that blend human figures, nature and elements of fantasy.
Her acrylic painting ‘Abundance’ celebrates the idea that generosity creates growth. Through vibrant colour and expressive forms, the work reflects feminine energy as a living force that expands through shared voice, connection and support. Inspired by her life experiences and influenced by Buddhist ideas about living in the present, Kung’s artwork invites viewers to reflect on their own journeys and the beauty found in everyday moments.
Together, these works remind us that creativity is not separate from teaching, it is deeply connected to how educators reflect, express and contribute to the communities around them. Through their practice, these artists show that generosity, curiosity and courage are not only qualities we nurture in students, but qualities that educators continue to cultivate in themselves.
The TAPs exhibition will return next academic year, offering more opportunities for staff to explore their own creative practice and share their work with the wider community. If this has sparked ideas for something you might like to create, now is the perfect time to start planning.
