Winter holidays are an excuse for many things. It gives us an excuse to see friends and family, to create special treats and cookies, visit gorgeous sites, make decadent feasts, to overindulge a bit (or more). It is also an excuse to do some extra shopping, including sometimes for ourselves. Galleries, craft fairs, and holiday markets around the Brandywine Valley are ready to make every wish come true this year. The Barbara Moore Fine Art Gallery may have moved online, but they have brought back the holiday spirit with their 6th Annual Christmas in Miniature Art Show, on view now through the end of the year.
Featuring nineteen local artists, Christmas in Miniature showcases small sized art. “I thought about it, oh so many, many years ago,” says Barbara Moore, curator and owner of the Barbara Moore Fine Art Gallery. “My boss thought I was nuts, but she went along with the idea.” From its simple beginnings, the show inspired not just artists, but other curators. As Moore says, “it was a good thing, as other galleries saw what happened and there ‘it’ began . . . mini artworks exhibits, everywhere.”
The show is a favorite of the participating artists. “I got involved with the gallery about thirty-five years ago because Barbara Moore was kind enough to invite me,” says Linda Barr, one of the artists. “I have enjoyed being part of the show ever since it began.” She paints through the year with the show in mind, creating small-scale works that also come with a lower price point, making them perfect for gifting or expanding an art collection.
Miniatures of all types have always been a popular art item, and were particularly desired during the Victorian era. Their incredible details could be seen in portraits created for paramours, curios, and cabinets of curiosity. But miniatures have come back in style, especially with the proliferation of maximalism and gallery walls in private homes. “It is an often overlooked subject with the added benefit of affordability,” says Karen Trimble, a participating artist.
The exhibition varies in terms of subjects, mediums, and sizes. “I paint them with the same eye and care as my larger works,” says Trimble. The art in the show has many meanings, for artists, viewers, and collectors. “It supports artists and the gallery which is our life work,” she notes. “Miniatures are affordable and tiny enough for even the most art-heavy households.”
This year is “continuing an annual tradition in Chadds Ford with a unique group of artists,” says Don Shoffner, a participating artist. Their inspiration for the pieces in the show comes from many places, “sometimes just simply serendipity,” he explains. “ Sometimes it’s a portion of a larger piece.” Part of the process is “deciding if a piece can translate into something smaller.”
The Barbara Moore Fine Art Gallery has moved online during the past year, so this is the first Christmas in Miniature without a physical presence. But the online gallery has not dissuaded virtual visitors. “The success is in the artistry of camera shots of the artworks to be put online,” Moore says. “Online shopping has become the way of purchasing, these days.”
Moving the show online has also allowed more people to view the exhibition. “I hope that old and new clientele will see an opportunity to purchase new and original artworks another way and be assured of its quality,” Moore says. “The tradition is alive and well and is continuing to evolve with the conditions and the marketplace,” Shoffner adds.
Exploring the online gallery is a treat for the eyes. From fantastical imagery to vivid landscapes, creative still life works to snowy scenes, there is something for everyone. As Trimble notes, “they make great gifts.” Referencing the classic film “The Bishop’s Wife,” she jokes, “After all, who needs another orange squeezer?” It is about celebrating art in all its many forms, and as Barr notes, “enjoying the holiday spirit.”
The 6th Annual Christmas in Miniature Art Show is on view online at the Barbara Moore Fine Art Gallery through the end of 2022. It can be seen online at BarbaraMooreFineArt.com.
About Victoria Rose
Victoria Rose (she/her) is an editor, writer, avid reader, self-described geek, and fan of all things creative. Her passion for words has led to her current career as a freelance editor, and she is the owner of Flickering Words, an editing service. When not wielding a red pen (or cursor), she loves reading books of all genres, playing video, board, and word games, baking ridiculous creations to show off on the internet, or enjoying the gorgeous outdoors. She is a board member of the West Chester Film Festival and part of the Thirsty Monsters, a team of streamers from around the world who fundraise for various charities supporting LGBTQIA+ and accessibility rights. She can be found online @WordsFlickering or the Brandywine Art Guide @BrandywineArtGuide.
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