Small art exhibition transforms abandoned stairwell into 1:6 scale gallery — Colossal
When artist McKay Lenker Bayer was an undergraduate student in 2016, her professor assigned her class the task of displaying their work. Uncertain about whether to show her work to the public, she scaled back, quite literally, to display miniature paintings with tiny labels. Thus, the idea of a small exhibition space was born.
In 2018, Lenker Bayer established the Tiny Art Show, a community art project that uses unique and unexpected spaces around Provo, Utah to showcase original works by a wide range of artists. Until this year, the project had been largely nomadic, but the small art show now has its own dedicated space.
The storefront-style gallery is installed on a 1:6 scale and is located in what was originally a stairwell, accessible from street level. Its blue exterior is reminiscent of a retail space in New York or London, while inside, it’s what Leker Bayer describes as “a fully functioning commercial art gallery… just tiny.” Original works are for sale, and the opening event brought snack-loving crowds together, and you can even buy a small newspaper from a vending machine near the door.
In addition to its miniature physical displays, the Tiny Art Show also promotes a range of art projects, such as the Monthly Mini Mail Club, a subscription service that sends out pieces called Tiny Journals. childhoodas well as a brochure for that month’s gallery exhibition. You can also buy small art kits as well as prints and merchandise in the store.
Explore more information on the project’s website and follow Instagram for updates on upcoming performances.
