Miniatures showcase big talent in Sisters

A multitude of creative microcosms were on display at Clearwater Gallery on Saturday afternoon for the opening of "It's No Small Thing!" miniatures show.

The exhibition featured more than 150 original mini-art pieces captured in a wide array of media including watercolor, oil, acrylic, textiles, wood and glass. Guests enjoyed wine and snacks while chatting with the artists on the inspirations for their scaled-down pieces.

"This year we have 11 new artists out of the 22 total," said owner Julia Rickards. "It's our seventh year doing the miniatures show, and people really love it. I'm super-impressed with the quality I've viewed, and it's so encouraging seeing them putting out their best work."

Artist and gallery owner Dan Rickards recognizes this event to be at the heart of what they do best: promoting and showcasing fresh new talent.

"We love this show, and it lets us present great artists we normally wouldn't carry or have the wall-space for," he said. "Exposing the community to interesting art is important to us as business owners and artists ourselves."

Among the lineup of artists represented are Elizabeth Ganji, Kathy Deggendorfer, Cynthie Fisher, Bill Hamilton and many more local and regional creators.

Subject matter in the show bridged the rainbow of life, from vintage travel trailers, wildflower fields, epic landscapes, Impressionist ponds, ripe pears, colts in the sun and even a peaceful sidewalk cellist.

"We are looked at as a more traditional outdoor and landscape art gallery, but this show allows us to do the whole spectrum of creative expressions and kind of let our hair down," said Julia. "That's why Dan and I enjoy it so much."

For the second year, the Rickards put forth a challenge to a select group of artists, this time out entitled, "Little and Littler," encouraging artists to produce a piece of art three inches square in whatever medium they feel comfortable in. The result was a collection of diminutive landscapes, animals and flowers.

"With little pieces it's more about collecting than decorating," Dan noted. "I think locals love getting something from an artist they know and finding that diamond in the rough or some handheld gem. They can buy fine artwork in a smaller form at more affordable prices than the artists' larger pieces, and that makes it fun."

"Bull Rider," by Vicki Shuck is the winner for the challenge.

Peoples Choice award for the overall show was a three-way tie: Rod Frederick, "Royal Highness"; Vicki Shuck, "Balboa Park at Trolley Stop"; and Cynthia Fisher, "Gold Finch."

The Miniatures Show continues until July 31 at Clearwater Gallery's Cascade Avenue location. More information, call 541-549-4994.