Challen Pride-Thorne started to see the miniature items while she studied ceramics at Place des Arts.
She and her sister joined the Coquitlam facility in 2013 — after their kids became independent — and, during the Christmas season, she’d admire the little pieces displayed in Positively Petite.
This year, the Coquitlam graphic artist plucked up the courage to be part of the annual exhibit and submitted eight mixed media works, measuring 3" by 3" each, made with paints, paper and found objects.
The images are peaceful — depicting a park bench, and flora and fauna — with the aim to give the viewer a break, especially during one of the busiest times of year.
“They give an appreciation for nature and show the quiet moments of life when you let everything go,” she said.
More than 30 artists have their tiny paintings, ceramics, sculptures, mixed media and drawings in Positively Petite 2018, with Pride-Thorne as well as Kristian Adam, Peggy Logan, Shirley White, and Irene and Laura Giesbrecht entering the show for the first time.
All 2D artworks are less than 12 square inches while the 3D pieces are less than 36 cubic inches. And sales support cultural programming at Place des Arts and the exhibiting artists.
Pride-Thorne said purchasing small original items is an affordable way to build up an art collection; Positively Petite offers a variety of styles and mediums you don’t typically see elsewhere, she said.
While the display of little works opens Friday in the Atrium Gallery, Place des Arts also officially launches two more exhibits that night.
Paintings by Suchen Wu and Teresa Chow are revealed in the Leonore Peyton Salon in a series called Uprooted - A Journey of Self-Discovery and, in the Mezzanine Gallery, is Motion, a group of paintings by Zhanna Shomakhova.
The three exhibits wrap up Dec. 20.
In addition, the centre’s annual Christmas Boutique will also have its opening Friday night, with shopping of handmade crafts open until Dec. 22.
• The opening reception is at Place des Arts (1120 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam) on Friday at 7 p.m. A cash wine bar will be open and appetizers will be served; music will be performed by Place des Arts students. Call 604-664-1636 or visit placedesarts.ca.
