Miniature Art Society Preparing for 34th International Showby Sandi Fahy
Photo by SANDI FAHY DUNEDIN - The new year is rapidly approaching and members of the Miniature Art Society of Florida, Inc. are busy making preparations for their 34th Annual International Miniature Art Show, which will feature over 800 original contemporary works of painting and sculpture from around the world. The show, which will take place at the Dunedin Fine Art Center, 1143 Michigan Blvd., will run from January 18 to February 8. It is a juried and judged event. The works of artists from 34 states and 12 countries will be on exhibit Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors. Children ages 6-18 pay $4. DFAC and MASF members will be admitted free of charge. Over the years, the society has purchased outstanding artworks from the shows for its permanent collection, which is displayed at local libraries and special events from time to time. All of the more than 100 pieces of art will be on display at this year's event as well. The works of Susan Brooke of New Mexico and Luis Arturo Ruiz of Florida were added to the collection last year. Awards will be presented in categories such as acrylic, drawing and pastel, mixed media, oil, opaque watercolor, fired porcelain and enamel, printmaking, sculpture and scrimshaw, transparent watercolor, abstract and surrealism, bird and animals, exterior or architectural, floral and botanical, human figure, historical or mythical, interior or still life, landscape, marine and portrait. Those attending will find magnifiers attached to each display panel for enhanced viewing. Much of the art will be available for purchase. The Miniature Art Society, which is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in miniature fine art, was founded in Clearwater in 1974. Its purpose was to broaden the public's appreciation of fine art "In Little" Many of its members are involved in other art events around the world. Kay Petryszak, the group's vice president for public relations, served as a judge at the World Federation of Miniaturists' 4th Worldwide Exhibition and Conference held in Burnie, Tasmania, in March. Each year the society sponsors an annual competition for Pinellas County Schools students who excel in both art and the classroom. The Miniature Art Society has distributed some $95,000 in scholarship monies to more than 95 college-bound student artists to date. For more information on the show or the Miniature Art Society, call 525-8251.
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