Waldron shows SMALL gallery of items smaller than 10-by-10 inches

The John Waldron Arts Center has an exhibition of miniature artwork that defies the notion bigger equals better.

SMALL, which kicked off with a reception on the opening day of Lotus Festival, is an exhibition featuring Indiana artists whose works are no larger than 10 by 10 inches. Two- and 3-dimensional work, including paintings, photographs, sculpture, jewelry and ceramics, are among the represented mediums.

“Some of the most exciting work in this exhibition comes from artists who are known for their large work,” said Anna Walker, gallery director of the Waldron Arts Center. “It is exciting because we get to see a different side of the many talented artists in this area.”
Waldron Executive Director Pamela Keech, who joined Walker as curator of the show, conceived the initial concept for SMALL more than a year ago while planning the lineup of monthly exhibitions.
Artists submitted work during August and September of this year, which Walker, Keech and a panel then judged.

Of the 40 artists chosen for the exhibition, most have only one or two pieces on display.

“At the arts council, we try to stick to our mission of serving many artists in the region, and in doing so, we try to be inclusive of a variety of artwork,” Walker said.

Bloomington artist Kathy Barton, a photographer whose work is featured in SMALL, said she took an interest in photography in high school and is happy to be dedicating more time to it now that she her job affords her more time.

“Small is interesting because it’s all different mediums,” Barton said. “Pamela did a beautiful job with the initial concept. It’s a very visually interesting show, and I would encourage everyone to go and see it themselves.”

For ceramics artist Hannah Short, a former IU student who graduated last semester with degrees in ceramics and art history, SMALL is her Bloomington gallery debut.

“I’ve been in the SoFA Gal-lery through the Fine Arts School and in other shows throughout the country,” Short said, “but this is my first in Bloomington. It’s nice to see what different artists can create with the medium that they like making work through.”

Walker believes SMALL has been a success for the Bloomington arts community. She said it has been useful tool for getting arts patrons to appreciate a diverse range of skills and the creativity required for a variety of mediums.

“We get to see work that is not normally exhibited, a different side of the artists, a smaller side,” she said.

Short, who also works as a ceramics consultant at the Waldron Arts Center, agreed.

“I think it’s great to show pieces like jewelry as part of the exhibition,” Short said. “Putting it in a gallery helps people realize that it is a unique art. It takes a lot of skill and technique.”

SMALL will be in the Rosemary P. Miller Gallery at the John Waldron Arts Center in Bloomington through Oct. 25.