A new art exhibition is set to captivate Philadelphia starting this Friday with the debut of “The Mini Art Show” at At My House, a vintage shop located in Queen Village.
This unique showcase will feature an array of artistic expressions, with each piece measuring no more than three inches.
The exhibition will highlight the work of 21 local artists, presenting a diverse range of media including tiny paintings, sculptures, mosaics, and miniature textiles.
Running through late July, the show promises to engage visitors with its whimsical charm.
Kelly Braun, the owner of At My House, shared her excitement about the artists’ enthusiastic response when invited to create miniature works.
“The reaction was immediate joy,” Braun recalled. “People freak out when you talk about it.”
For many of the participating artists, this challenge of working on such a small scale was a new and exhilarating experience.
“A lot of people said they hadn’t worked this small before, and it was like a very fun challenge,” Braun noted. “And a lot of them made the pieces very personal, which was really special.”
At My House serves as more than just a retail space; it is also a community hub that sells home goods, vintage clothing, and artwork, while hosting pop-ups and workshops to engage the community.
Collaborating with Braun on the exhibition is local artist Fabiola Lara, known for her innovative art vending machines scattered throughout the city.
The two artists bonded over their love of miniatures when Lara led a workshop at Braun’s shop about a year ago, which sparked a friendship that would eventually lead to this exhibition.
Serendipitously, Lara purchased the house next door to Braun.
“I think it being so small makes it just so cute,” Lara explained about the appeal of miniature art.
It evokes a sense of fragility, reminiscent of caring for a baby.
“It’s the wrong size, and that is somehow so magical to me,” Braun added, expressing the charm these tiny artworks possess.
Handling these delicate pieces is treated with utmost care, with visitors instinctively cradling the artworks in their palms.
“Everyone’s handed me their piece with cupped hands,” Braun said. “I also feel the need to put it away and wrap it in paper, such a precious thing.”
The small size of the artwork allows for a flexible display that doesn’t require a complete reorganization of the shop’s layout.
“It’s not like I have to rearrange my entire store to display them,” Braun mentioned. “It’s just going to be a very fun, tiny experience.”
Due to Braun’s affinity for miniatures, At My House has already curated a small selection of such artworks, and Lara is set to unveil a new vending machine featuring a rotating collection of miniature prints as part of this exhibit.
Lara believes the vintage ambiance of the shop perfectly complements the spirit of the exhibition.
“The store itself has so much magical, cool, vintage stuff that I think the people who will like the art show will also get excited to look at everything else,” she expressed.
Upon entering At My House, guests will immediately encounter the special exhibition area at the front of the store, where each piece will be accompanied by a descriptive plaque detailing its significance.
To enhance the experience, magnifying glasses will be available on the wall, allowing curious visitors to examine the intricate details of the artworks.
Many artists had to adapt their techniques and remain creatively resourceful to produce these miniature pieces, making this a novel endeavor for most.
One artist, Mitch Weisen, is presenting a striking 2.5-by-1.5 inch painting that required the fabrication of a custom minuscule brush.
“It’s a house on fire. It’s their first piece they did since their divorce, they told me,” Braun explained. “They found this sterling silver vintage wedding frame to put it in. It’s a gorgeous piece … That was one of the first pieces that was dropped off to me.”
As part of the opening night festivities, At My House will feature specialty cocktails crafted with Art in the Age Spirits.
Among the offerings will be a signature mini ‘ginarita’, a gin-infused take on a margarita, and a refreshing gin lavender lemonade.
Both regular-sized and mini cocktails will be available for guests.
With most pieces on sale ranging from $100 to $400, there are also affordable prints of select artworks available for those on a budget.
Lara and Braun aspire for visitors to exit the exhibition with a sense of wonder akin to their own.
“I’m hoping that people cannot believe their eyes,” Lara said.
“Everyone put so much work into their pieces and into the show. But I really just can’t wait. I just hope for amazement.”
image source from：billypenn
