Thangka is a Tibetan silk painting with embroidery, usually depicting a Buddhist deity, famous scene, or mandala of some sort. Thangka become popular among traveling monks because the scroll paintings were easily rolled and transported between monasteries. These Thangka served as important teaching tools depicting the life of the Buddha. Themes include landscapes, inhabitants, religious activities, nomadic life, as well as urban life.

The Thangka Art Expo has included almost all schools of Thangka painting. One in particular, the Menbris school, has been listed as National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Tenba Rabten, inheritor of the Menbris School of Thangka, and Chairman of the Tibetan Folk Arts Association, said many of the painters have began studying the art form in the 1970s.

The Art Expo is a platform where they can exchange ideas and develop skills.