Minumental 2023 Exhibit

CURATOR NOTES:
What is it about miniatures that captures our hearts? The first attested time the word “miniature” was used in English to describe an art form was in the 16th century in the writings of Sir Philip Sidney, d. 1586. He contrasted the life-sized reflections of women playing in the water with the miniature reflections of them in the bubbles created by the splashing. Diminutive art has taken many forms in history. Beloved, tiny portraits have been worn close to the heart as cameos (which also historically served as seals, signet rings and even currency in Ancient Greece). The first doll houses have been traced back to the 16th century where they were made for the wealthy as a sign of social status. Even in recent years, little art galleries (in the style of little free libraries) have begun popping up around communities as a way to showcase small artworks right along neighborhood sidewalks. We just can’t seem to get enough. I hope that this eclectic exhibition of tiny art, in some “small” way, brings you unexpected discoveries and delight! ​​