Bull KTIC
KTIC Channel
A plethora of tiny lifescapes will be on display at the West Nebraska Arts Center this month.
Opening on Feb. 4, with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m., is the 39th Annual IMAGE exhibit and the Small Talks Society exhibit.
The society is made up of artists from Torrington, Scottsbluff, and the surrounding areas. The group began in 1983 as the Sugar Valley Miniatures Society and is now called the Small Talks Society.
“We just like the fun of creating something out of nothing. We use a lot of cardboard, little bits of fabrics, and a lot of beads, and we have a lot of fun. Our styles are all different, so all of our things look different from one another,” said Jodee Gearrelts, a member of the society.
WNAC will be displaying more than 40 miniature items in the Bronson Gallery, including dollhouses, vignettes, and more.
Among the miniatures is a French Quarter double-decker box display done by Judi Widmaier. The boxes are glued together with a masquerade shop below with the living quarters in the top box. Widmaier didn’t make all the miniatures in the boxes.
“A man and his wife did the birdcage, and a Russian miniaturist made the cute little chair at the back, and there’s some needlepoint artwork done over the fireplace,” she said.
Widmaier has more than one piece on display, as do most artists, including Sheri Peters, Margaret Chase, Sandy Strey, Barb Goldman, Georgie Weimer, and Jackie Holthus.
In the main gallery, the 39th Annual IMAGE exhibit will be on display. Professional Photographer, Ken Kurtz, selected the awards for this year’s exhibit.
Both exhibits open Thursday, Feb. 4, a reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. The reception will include wine, appetizers, and refreshments. There will also be baskets available for purchase as a one-night Valentine’s Day special.
