Small but mighty
Miniature show
As the saying goes, “Good things come in small packages.” And the annual Small Works Group Exhibition at Manitou Galleries proves this to be true. The show—on view from November 1 through December 31—presents a wide variety of small-scale Western works that pack a punch regardless of size.
Among the featured artists is Kim Wiggins, who knows firsthand just how powerful these tiny treasures can be.
“Small works play such an important role in the life of an artist,” he says. “I know in my own life these works are small, passionate studies of moments in time, a place or significant idea. They are often concepts for major works that will be built upon and enhanced at a later date. I love the feel of [Twilight Along the Pinta] as well as its history. My mother, Roynel Wiggins, was a top rodeo cowgirl in her day. She still has one of the belt buckles she won bull riding—defying the traditional roles of women of that day. Later she owned and operated a nightclub and two large ranches in Northeastern Arizona, the Pinta and Black Rock ranches. This painting pays homage to the story of her life. It depicts her gentle Navajo ranch foreman, Christian Morris, overlooking one of the sacred mesas located on her land back in 1950s Arizona.”
For Sharon Markwardt, Small Works has presented “a delightful opportunity” for artistic growth. “Small pieces can sometimes bring out the playfulness of the creative process, which is what occurred with me and Cholla Dance,” she says. “I love the contrast of colors and textures of this unique cactus in bloom, and the fun ‘all-over’ composition is a dance between nature and creativity, with the artist as choreographer.”
This year, Manitou Galleries will host three opening receptions for Small Works, giving collectors, artists and visitors plenty of opportunities to celebrate the show with live music, cocktails and more. For reception dates, visit www.manitougalleries.com.