Sunti World Art Gallery adds new level, coffee shop
Sunti and Erica Pichetchaiyakul pose in the expanded space of the Sunti World Art Gallery that includes a coffee shop. (Heidi Desch/Whitefish Pilot)
Sunti World Art Gallery has expanded to include even more artwork from around the globe, along with a gift and coffee shop.
The gallery opened its doors in the former Methodist Church building on Spokane Avenue in 2015. Recently, the gallery owners made the decision to open up what had previously been studio space in the basement, allowing for more offerings at the gallery.
Thai sculptor Sunti Pichetchaiyakul is a main featured artist in gallery, but it is set to soon represent 15 artists total from all over the world. Pichetchaiyakul and his wife Erica own the gallery.
The gallery offers a variety of genres of paintings including Western, landscape, wildlife, still life, portrait, contemporary and abstract art. Sunti Pichetchaiyakul’s hyper-realistic sculptures are a main feature of the gallery.
“We were running out of wall space,” said Erica of the decision to expand the gallery space. “We are selective with the artists we choose, but we also want to make sure to include enough of a selection of their work that you can get a feel for their art.”
Sunti Pichetchaiyakul was commissioned by Thailand’s His Royal Majesty King Vajiralongkorn to create a sculpture of the late King Bhumipol Adulyadej. Sunti and Erica in May traveled to Thailand to present the sculpture to the king during his coronation ceremony.
“It was hugely rewarding,” Erica said of presenting the sculpture after Sunti was sought out in 2017 for the honor.
The coffee shop serves a menu of hot and cold drinks, along with pastries from Ceres Bakery. Tables in the center of the room near the coffee bar allow for casual viewing of a range of artwork.
“We want to allow you to spend more time with the art while enjoying a drink,” Erica said of the coffee shop.
Coffee served is from single origin fair trade beans from Thailand.
The gift shop portion of the gallery features handcrafted works from Thai artists. From jewelry to leather handbags and many other items, the gallery works as much as it can directly with the artists making the items.