While art is not unfamiliar to the people of the Midwest, miniature art is only just beginning to find its way into the hearts and homes of Hendricks County. The essence of miniature art, as promoted by the world’s miniature art societies, requires carefully refined techniques, reduced scale subjects and held-in-the-hand size formats including the framing. These ‘tiny treasures’, historically referred to as ‘Art in Little’, defy 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. 

Today’s artists working in miniature, mirror their conventional-scale peers by using a wide variety of different media and by exploring different styles and subjects. Miniature art is a unique art form, tracing its origins from illuminated manuscripts and medallions. As a portable intimate form of art, it was easily carried in a pocket or a locket and basked in popularity from the court of Henry VIII up until the advent of photography in the mid 1800s. The introduction of the novel photograph may have stolen the function of miniature art but it also spurred on a push to transform these gems of the art world into giants of fine art in their own right. Artistic Designs Gallery is pleased to join miniature art societies and exhibitions around the world in promoting this endearing genre.

Since 2007, Artistic Designs has presented the regional community with a world-class showing of miniature art and small works. Discussions via an online miniature art forum concerning the premiere Artistic Designs’ show, and debates surrounding the age-old question of “what constitutes a miniature?” directly led to the formation of the world’s first standard definition for miniature adopted by the Association of Miniature Artists. The gallery continued its historical contributions to the genre in 2011 by complimenting their annual show with a presentation on miniature art by Miniature Artists of America’s historian and author, Wes Siegrist. Siegrist and his wife, Rachelle, gave demonstrations and a workshop the opening weekend - an event the Gallery plans to continue at future shows with recognized miniaturists.

Artistic Designs Gallery is proud to bring to Hendricks County the artwork of these amazing artists. If you are a miniaturist and would be interested in participating in our juried annual miniature art exhibit, please click on the link for our

Miniature Fine Art Show Entry Form and Prospectus

For further information on miniature art please visit the Association of Miniature Artists’ website as well as those of the miniature art societies linked there.