Marvel at 'Magnificent Minis' at In-Town in July

photo "Vacancy" by Maddin Corey
photo "Citrus Series, Orange" by Jennie Kirkpatrick

Visitors to In-Town Gallery will encounter a trove of tiny treasures when they enter next month.

These compact creations are part of "Magnificent Minis," a kaleidoscope of colors, textures and mediums done by the resident artists. The exhibit will be on display Tuesday, July 1, through Thursday, July 31. No opening reception will be held for this show because the "first Friday" slot falls on July 4.

IF YOU GO¦ What: "Magnificent Minis."¦ When: July 1-31. Open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sundays.¦ Where: In-Town Gallery, 26A Frazier Ave.¦ Admission: Free.¦ Phone: 423-267-9214.¦ Website: www.intowngallery.com.

According to show organizers, miniature art has been in existence for centuries, tracing its heritage to the illustrated manuscripts of scribes in the Far East and Europe before the 15th century. While not necessarily adhering to traditional subjects, 34 creative minds will be using their own medium of choice on a variety of materials to produce innovative reinterpretations on works no larger than 8 by 10 inches.

The artists were encouraged to experiment with styles and mediums they do not customarily use. Painters Maddin Corey, Ellen Franklin and Jennie Kirkpatrick are bringing foods and flowers to life on canvas. Doug McCoy shares whimsical drawings in pen and ink on canvas. Small landscapes are realistically handled in oil on canvas by Victoria Pearmain. Bright bursts of color in Helen Brooks' florals and birds captured in acrylic on canvas by Eugenia Johnston will be among the works on display.

photo "Bees and Blooms" by Ellen Franklin

Carolyn Insler will capture dogs in stained glass. Chattanooga landmarks and tourist destinations are Lori Ryan's specialty using mixed media of photographs and encaustic. Mixed-media collages full of design and pattern are the trademark of Leslie Dulin. Mary Beth McClure, in addition to gems in glass, will have glass tiles in the exhibition. Denise Bizot, whose preferred tool is a handheld plasma cutter, uses sheet metal and recycled objects, from car hoods to oil can lids, to create her lace-like designs, which are then treated to produce an aged patina.

The main gallery will have the regular offerings of wood, metal and stone sculpture, paintings, ceramics and fiber works.

photo "Pugflattened" by Carolyn Insler

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