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Entertainment

Small wonder

The Dunedin Fine Art Center's biggest show of the year is, well, tiny. Join the crowd in appreciating 887 works of miniature art. Thankfully, magnifying glasses are available.

By TERRI BRYCE REEVES
Published February 3, 2006

DUNEDIN - If you're searching for something to do this weekend, think small.

The Miniature Art Society of Florida is holding its 31st annual exhibit to showcase more than 800 teensy-weensy works of art. You also may need to think fast because the show ends Sunday at the Dunedin Fine Arts Center.

Here they claim that "small is beautiful," and one would likely agree when seeing the littler-than-life paintings, scrimshaw, fired porcelain, printmaking, sculpture and compositions made from paper. Themes range from animals and architecture to birds and botanicals.

"It's the largest miniature show in the world," said Kay Petryszak, spokeswoman for the society. She also serves as president of the Miniature Artists of America, an organization established in Clearwater in 1985 to honor outstanding artists in the field.

"We had about 1,200 entries this year and narrowed it down to 887. The entries come from 16 countries and 40 states," she said. "This is the first year artists from Bulgaria, Malta and Italy have been represented."

For the Dunedin Fine Art Center, the show means lots of foot traffic.

"It's our biggest show of the year," said Kenneth Hannon, director of communications for the center at 1143 Michigan Blvd. "There is a real love of miniature art; it's phenomenal."

He said the exhibit, which has been at the center since Jan. 15, is bringing in an average of 1,000 visitors a week.

Miniature art traces its roots to the seventh century, when monks embellished manuscripts with small, detailed illustrations. Soon, nobility wanted tiny portraits to carry in their pockets or lockets. The popularity of miniature art grew until the advent of photography, which nearly led to its demise.

Today there is a resurgence of interest in these small-scale creations. Some are so detailed and precise, they almost look like photos.

Petryszak said the art form accomplishes things cameras cannot.

"You can put everything in focus and make your own composition," she said.

Marty Shirk, 63, of Zephyrhills, who was at the exhibit, said she could not get over the realism.

"The sheep, you could almost feel the softness of the wool," she said.

Most of the images for miniature art are no bigger than 25 square inches - 64 square inches with the matting and frame.

"Portraits can only be 11/2 inches high," Petryszak said. "The scale should be no more than one-sixth of the actual size."

The art in the show is grouped alphabetically by artists' last names, and magnifying glasses are available. The artists range in age from 18 to the 90s.

Mary Chadwell, 91, of Nevada submitted four entries this year, priced from $650 to $800.

"We have a lot of artists in their 80s," Petryszak said, adding that most artists use magnifying lenses to work. Though it requires a steady hand, she said one artist she knows has learned to cope even though he has Parkinson's disease.

"He holds his arm steady, and his works now are better than ever," she said.

The brushes created for miniature painting contain several hairs. "They cost about $15 each, and I can wear one out in just one painting," Petryszak said.

The most difficult part is getting the signatures on the composition, she said. "You want it to be subtle."

Many of the paintings are for sale, except those that are part of the permanent or traveling collections.

Prices start at about $100 and climb to $3,250 for a miniature by William Mundy of the United Kingdom, considered to be one of the world's top artists, Petryszak said.

Miniatures that sell will remain on display until the exhibit ends.

A portion of the sales goes back to the Miniature Art Society of Florida, which in turn will award $5,000 in scholarships this year to talented young artists. Since the program's inception in 1985, more than $85,000 has been given to 70 college-bound students.

Sue Sipe, 60, of St. Petersburg has been collecting miniature art for about 30 years. She has about 150 miniature works, including some sculptures.

She bought five pieces at this exhibition and spent $3,000.

"It's a nice size for display in the house," she said. "I collect it because I know that I have quality art from international and nationally recognized artists but at a more affordable price."

What: The 31st annual Miniature Art Society Show

Where: The Dunedin Fine Arts Center, 1143 Michigan Blvd.

When: Continues through Sunday. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Cost: General admission is $5; free to members of the art center and the Miniature Art Society of Florida.

A must-see: Looking East, an Asian-themed still life by Missourian Gail MacArgel, was judged best of show. Judge Michael Milkovich said its colors, crispness and composition make it a standout.

Information: Call the Dunedin Fine Arts Center at (727) 298-3322.

[Last modified February 3, 2006, 01:24:20]