Judy is a master at creating texture and this show is a stunning example of throw-away goods that are reincarnated into Haute fashion.  The small preview I’ve seen is stunning.  Get there early… show time is 7:45 and admission is only $3.  I’ve got a feeling that the place will be packed!

Terry’s Blog

Take a walk in my shoes… to the Small Works Show; It’s small, it’s original, it’s powerful!

I have always had a passion for small things. My grandmother takes credit for that, claiming that she trained me from a very young age to handle & appreciate tiny objects (it’s amazing that I did not choke as a youngster!) Needless to say, one of the “little” things I enjoy each year is the Small Works Show at the Emerald Gallery.

Stacey Hurlin does such a great job of pulling in artists from all over the world… I mean where else in the Midwest can you see a huge collection of affordable work (320 pieces!) by Fairfield artists as well as artwork from the international art community? My first impression of this show was one of visual fascination…. & frustration! I knew it would be hard for me to pinpoint one piece to buy. I was in love with just about everything.

A friend who was viewing the show with me loves contemporary work. His favorites included the “Girl with Bird” series by Bekah Ash as well as work by Jeri Felix. I found myself falling in love with Barry Ross’s Flamenco Dancers & Danielle Shier’s warm, rich landscapes. Then I entered another room of the gallery & was drawn to Bill Teeple’s drawings. I was amazed at how much detail there is in such tiny pieces. (lots of detail in small objects… gotta love it!)

Wendy Higgin’s floral still life is the kind of work that makes me jealous! The beauty of her work inspired me to tug on my friend’s coat sleeve & whisper “look at this”! Yeah, this kind of work makes me feel a little sappy… what can I say! A surprise for the evening was the new work by John Preston. I have always been a fan of John’s landscapes and I find his new work is equally compelling and penetrating.

What a powerful experience. Every time I see small works like these, I am once again thankful that my grandmother insisted I value the small things in life. Even though I left the show empty handed tonight, I left inspired… and contemplating which little jewel I will bring home with me next time!