The Village Theatre & Art Gallery in Danville is hosting its 15th annual juried exhibition “Art in Miniature.”
On display now through Sept. 19th, the show features paintings, drawings, ceramics and sculptures created on a miniature scale.
The show is juried by Livermore-based miniature artist Barbara Stanton, who has over four decades of experience as well as national and international awards in miniature art. “Her paintings are celebrated for their vivid realism and jewel-like precision,” officials wrote in the press release.
The exhibition showcases a diverse range of media and subject matter, including delicate florals, moody landscapes, still lifes, portraits, and three-dimensional works. Each piece measures approximately 4 by 6 inches or less, inviting close inspection.
Magnifying glasses are provided to help visitors engage with the art in detail.
“The public has been really excited to see miniature art in the Danville area. The show’s opening reception (on July 12) had a wonderful turnout and at least seven pieces were sold that evening. Many more pieces have found homes since,” said Stanton.
Miniature painting is an ancient art form which nearly vanished with the introduction of photography. However, miniature painting has endured and evolved beyond portraiture. Often referred to as “the little jewels of the art world,” miniature paintings are renowned for their ability to be easily held in one’s hand.
“Miniature societies worldwide host annual exhibitions, but the West Coast of the United States has not received as much exposure as the East Coast. While there have been a few miniature fine art shows here, most have deviated from the 1/6 scale rule that the society upholds as a standard. It is exciting to have such a wonderful turnout for the exhibit in Danville,” added Stanton.
The 1/6 scale rule is a traditional guideline in miniature art, requiring artists to depict subjects at one-sixth of their actual size. This ensures both authenticity and extreme precision.
Artists for the Danville exhibition were selected from across the country and beyond for their ability to combine technical mastery with artistic expression on a small, detailed scale.
“The star of the show are the oil paintings by Gini Harris, who is an internationally acclaimed miniaturist from South Africa. Her tiny paintings pull you into beautiful landscapes that defy comprehension. It’s amazing the detail she can achieve in such a small space. Her work is the ultimate expression of what a fine miniature painting should be. We are so honored to have Gini’s work in our gallery!” said Stanton.
The Village Theatre & Art Gallery is open Wednesday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission to the exhibition is free. For more information, visit www.danville.ca.gov/arts or call 925-314-3467.
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