While Art is not unfamiliar to the people of the Midwest, Miniature Art is only just beginning to find it’s way into the hearts and homes of Hendricks County. The essence of Miniature Art, is that it is extremely detailed, exquisite in color and has a strong composition. These ‘tiny treasures’ as small as a postage stamp to just 80 square inches, sometimes defies what an artist can produce in such a small space. From a portrait of a dog that you ‘could just touch’ to miniature landscapes that require a magnifying glass to explore, these ‘tiny treasures’ live up to their name.

The world of Miniature Art comes to Hendricks County at Artistic Designs Gallery’s Second Annual Miniature Fine Art Show May 2nd thru May 31. Over 40 artists from across the United States and Canada including Indiana and Hendricks County will display over 120 pieces of Miniature Fine Art. An Opening Reception for attending artist is scheduled for May 2nd, noon til 6:00 and during gallery hours on Saturday May 3rd 9:00 til 4:00.

Today’s Artists painting in miniature, are not unlike other artist, who use many different media; acrylic, egg tempura, oil, pastel, and watercolor to name some of the most common. Miniature Art is a unique art form, minute in detail, tracing its roots back to the book paintings and illuminated manuscripts of the 7th century. Elizabethan England was noted for its miniature portraits on vellum and later on ivory. A very personalized form of art, it was easily carried in a pocket or a locket. The period of exploration and colonization brought miniature art to America’s shores where its European heritage soon reflected the influences of the New World and its challenges and freedoms.

Not unlike the art organizations in Indiana, Miniature Art Societies have been formed around the world. Some of the more well known are the Hilliard Society of Miniaturists in England, World Federation of Miniaturists in Australia, Cider Painters of America in Pennsylvania, Miniature Art Society of Florida in Clearwater, The Miniature Painters Sculptors and Gravers Society in Washington DC, New Mexico Miniature Arts Society in Roswell, and Northern California Society of Arts in Miniature in Mariposa.

Artistic Designs Gallery is proud to bring to Hendricks County these American Master Artists as well as the art of our own local artists.