New Program at CWB Fosters
International Exchange

Seattle's well-respected small craft museum, The Center for Wooden Boats, has established a new program to foster a better understanding of and appreciation for water craft from many countries. The Cultural Exchange International program will focus on traditional wooden boats from around the world and the people who have built and used them.

Cultural Exchange International will launch its activities by bringing a famed Thai boat modeler and retired shipbuilding instructor to Seattle as part of the Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival, July 4-6. Ajahn (Professor) Paitoon Khaomala and his son, Kanok, will present representative models from his large collection of exquisite boat models made in teak.

This exceptional exhibit will include more than 20 model boats from traditional Thai designs. Visitors also may examine a manuscript that the Professor has been working on for many years. It details the design and construction techniques of these beautiful and graceful Thai boats. Ajahn Khaomala retired from teaching the art of ship building in Ayutthaya, Thailand, but continues to build models for display in his Thai Boat Museum.

The Wooden Boat Festival also will include three slide shows about traditional Thai boats and the famed Royal Barges, as well as Thai music and dances performed by the Chao Praya Ensemble. (For detailed information on the 27th Annual Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival, visit www.cwb.org)