The “Voiceless” Painting Workshop

The Phi Long Sand Art Center, situated in Phu Thuy Ward, has gained a reputation as a place for vocational training and job opportunities for individuals with disabilities, especially those who are hearing impaired.

What truly stands out is the motivational narrative of Do Dang Phi Long, who lost his hearing in his early years but triumphed over challenges through determination and a love for art. His dedication ultimately enabled him to become an accomplished artisan and open a sand art studio in the coastal city of Phan Thiet nearly two decades ago.

Currently, Phi Long Sand Art Center is managed by an entrepreneur from Ho Chi Minh City, who has maintained its goal of offering complimentary vocational training and stable jobs for many people with disabilities. As time has passed, it has also become a popular destination for both local and international tourists.

The craftsmen here are endearingly referred to as “silent artists.” The majority are hearing-impaired and interact with one another mainly through sign language rather than spoken words.

According to Ngo Thi Ngoc Dung, the center's manager, it currently accommodates 25 individuals with disabilities aged from 17 to 40. Approximately 80–85 percent of them are hearing-impaired, while the rest have physical disabilities. Coming from various areas both within the province and beyond, many have dedicated years to their craft, becoming proficient artisans who earn enough to provide for themselves and their families.

Some individuals endure particularly challenging situations and have opted to live at the center permanently. Even on their days off, including Mondays and public holidays, many choose to stay there due to the strong friendships, empathy, and mutual support they have formed with each other.

Through devoted effort and extraordinary skill, the artists at Phi Long Sand Art Center regularly infuse vitality into sand, crafting exceptional pieces of art.

Their artworks utilize naturally colored sand gathered from the coast of Lam Dong and take on multiple shapes, such as glasses, bottles, oval frames, and rectangular displays. The themes encompass artistic designs, portraits, logos, landscapes, calligraphy, and animal designs.

Depending on their intricacy and dimensions, artworks can take anywhere from several hours to several days, a week, two weeks, or even longer to complete.

A significant example is a sand painting called “One Dollar,” which is over one meter long. Created on commission for display abroad, this piece required more than a month of careful effort and various stages of production before it was finalized.

For the craftsmen, their everyday work brings joy as well. The workshop acts as a communal space where individuals with common experiences of hearing or physical challenges can engage in their interests, uplift each other, and showcase their resilience in facing life's obstacles.

In this distinctive atmosphere, bonds have evolved into romantic relationships. Several couples have wed in modest but significant ceremonies and have subsequently welcomed children into their families.

Ngo Thi Ngoc Dung mentioned that she has observed several marriages among the artisans. In one household, both parents are hearing-impaired, yet their two children were born with typical hearing and speaking skills, bringing happiness to everyone at the center.

The “painting workshop beyond words” has become an appealing spot for tourists keen to explore the distinctive art of sand painting in this sunny and windy coastal area. During the peak tourism seasons, the workshop welcomes about 500–600 visitors each month.

Many impressive sand artworks, along with inspiring stories of resilience and compassion, have been shared with the public. In this way, the center aids in the development of local tourism while showcasing the image of Lam Dong and Vietnam to travelers from around the globe.