Miniature Magnificence -- A Tiny Art Exhibit

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The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce Miniature Magnificence: A Tiny Art Exhibit featuring 133 pieces of art from all over our region.

The exhibit is open now through July 26, 2021 at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls.

Showcase Specialist Trey Everett explained, “It’s fun to dream up themes for future art exhibits. Our current show, Miniature Magnificence: A Tiny Art Exhibit, came about as I was thinking of how to encourage people to submit artwork. Teaching art and hosting creative workshops over the years I’ve learned that the smaller the canvas the less anxiety and fear people seem to have around creating artwork. “What if,” I thought, “the only requirement for an exhibit was that the art had to be very small?” It worked! People were so enthusiastic.”

There are 133 individual pieces of art not counting about 80 to 100 chicken eggs. The exhibit includes four pieces from an artist from Michigan. Everett reached out to folk artisans and happily a number of artists accepted the challenge. “We have beautiful and thought-provoking Hardanger embroidery, needle felted wool, etched depression era eggs, alcohol ink paintings, batik, embroidery with tin on leather and wool, straw craft, pin cushion and so on. This was a fun exhibit to set up and I greatly enjoy interacting with the amazing creative people in this region.”

Marshall County Artist Jeremy Haug created the etched depression era eggs. He explained, “Eggs are inspiration. Years ago, I heard that artists either add or subtract to make art. Pinching pennies through the pandemic, I didn’t want to splurge on paints or dyes for Easter eggs and started playing around with scratching off the outer layer, subtracting from the egg instead of adding the paint. The shape of the egg lends itself well to the simple designs I’ve been drawing since I was a kid. While etching the eggs the calcium dust that scratches off sparkles in the sunshine; I figure something good is happening.”

Area students also entered work into this exhibit. According to Goodridge-Grygla Teacher Betsy Saurdiff, “Students created a series of five mini paintings and chose their favorite for the show. By working in a series, they were able to develop their ideas further.”

Debbie Aune, Art Teacher from Greenbush said, “We were ALL OVER this real art show! I personally have had enough virtual. I made it a requirement for my craft class and my painting class. It was a crash course in watercolor; I gave the kids one hour to finish two small paintings! The urgency made it happen.”

Finally, Artist Cindy Kolling of Gully on her drawings, “These pen & ink drawings are part of a multi-step process that goes into much of my art. I want to make new art that invites viewers to expand their participation in life by developing and sharing appreciation and to consider our local world with fresh insight.”

For a virtual visit to the exhibit view our video here.

The NWMAC Gallery is located at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. The summer gallery hours are Monday-Thursday from 7:30-4:30 PM, Friday from 7:20- 2:30 pm and at other times when events are held at the college. Enter through Door A. Visitor parking is free and at this time in the large end lot. No masks are required.

For more information about our exhibits look to our website at www.NWArtsCouncil.org.