These ornament critters are part of the current exhibit, “It’s the Little Things,” at Confluence Gallery.
By Ann McCreary
The wonder and whimsy of tiny art will invite viewers to get up-close at Confluence Gallery’s new exhibit, “It’s the Little Things: Miniature Art Exhibition.”
The show opens Saturday (Nov. 21) and runs through the holiday season, offering a wide range of “tiny but mighty” works of art to appreciate and purchase, said Salyna Gracie, exhibit curator and gallery director.
Artists were challenged to create and compose art for the show that is no larger than 6 inches in any direction, she said. The result is an intriguing collection of tiny paintings, sculptures, dolls, fiber art, mixed media, metal work and lots of holiday ornaments.
“Small art beckons you to come closer. It doesn’t give its secrets away easily. You have to step right up and engage with it. People won’t be able to stand in the middle of the gallery and browse around the walls,” Gracie said.
Boris Gaviria ‘s VW Bus needle work is one of the pieces on display.
“Small art also has smaller price tags,” she added. “We thought it would be good timing for the holidays. It’s a great gateway into collecting and giving.”
Miniature art has been in existence for centuries, tracing its heritage back to illustrated manuscripts of scribes in the Far East and Europe prior to the 15th century, according to the Association of Miniature Artists. The genre has experienced a contemporary revival over the past 20 years.
The Confluence Gallery exhibit opens with a reception from 4 – 8 p.m., and runs through Jan. 8, with a closing reception from 4 – 8 p.m.
This weekend the gallery also hosts a trunk show for Southeast Asian antiques and hand-woven textiles. The show will be held Friday (Nov. 20) from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
The show features a variety of antiques, jewelry and textiles collected and offered for sale by local resident Theresa Miller during her travels in Southeast Asia.
In conjunction with the main exhibit, Confluence Gallery will present sketches from the Life Drawing artist’s series, which includes both seasoned and beginning artists, in the smaller Loovre exhibit space.
Artists of all levels are invited to join the drawing sessions on Thursdays, 6 – 8 p.m. Call the gallery for details at 997-2787.
