Our Founder

Established in 1999 by the late Dasho Choki Dorji, the Choki Traditional Art School (CTAS) has emerged as a beacon of hope and creativity for disadvantaged students in the Kingdom of Bhutan. With a mission to preserve and promote Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage through art, CTAS has provided free education and training in traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts for over 26 years. The school is dedicated to empowering underprivileged youth by equipping them with skills in painting, sculpture, and other traditional art forms, enabling them to build sustainable livelihoods while contributing to the preservation of Bhutan’s cultural identity.

CTAS has played a transformative role in the lives of countless students, many of whom come from rural and economically challenged backgrounds. By offering free education, the school has opened doors to opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible, fostering a sense of pride and purpose among its students. The curriculum not only focuses on technical skills but also emphasizes the cultural and spiritual significance of Bhutanese art, ensuring that students become custodians of their heritage. Over the years, CTAS has produced skilled artisans who have gone on to contribute to the Kingdom’s cultural landscape, both locally and internationally.

To sustain its mission, CTAS has introduced innovative initiatives such as the Choki Heritage Museum, housed in a 17th-century house (340 years old), which showcases a stunning collection of traditional artifacts and artworks. Visitors to the museum can witness live demonstrations of traditional art-making processes, offering a unique insight into the craftsmanship and dedication behind each piece. Additionally, the school provides hands-on painting experiences under the guidance of master artists, allowing visitors to engage directly with Bhutanese art forms. These activities not only enrich the cultural experience for visitors but also generate essential funds to support the school’s operations.

A key aspect of CTAS’s sustainability model is its school shop, where visitors can purchase handcrafted artifacts created by students, alumni, and Bhutanese artists. Each purchase directly contributes to the school’s funding, ensuring that it can continue to offer free education to future generations of artists. By supporting the school shop, visitors play a vital role in preserving Bhutan’s artistic traditions and empowering disadvantaged youth.

For 26 years, CTAS has stood as a testament to the power of art to transform lives and preserve culture. Through its unwavering commitment to education, cultural preservation, and community empowerment, the Choki Traditional Art School continues to inspire and uplift, ensuring that Bhutan’s artistic heritage thrives for generations to come. The Choki Artisan initiative, with its museum, live demonstrations, and hands-on experiences, not only sustains the school but also serves as a bridge between tradition and modernity, inviting the world to appreciate and support the timeless beauty of Bhutanese art.