A work of art doesn’t have to be big to have an impact.
All of the pieces in the 6 x 6 x Cookstown art show have the power to engage, intrigue and delight, even though they fit within a six-inch square frame, a parameter set by the organizers.
This is the fourth year for the show of miniatures, at Halliday House & Co. in Cookstown, and local artists once again have embraced the concept of “small is beautiful,” producing affordable, collectible and compact works.
Last Saturday, organizers Maggie Grace and Christina Luck were busy at Halliday House, waiting for the participating artists to drop off their contributions to the show, and arranging the artwork on the walls.
Only size was limited; artists were invited to use any medium.
New contributor Kyla Martino dropped off several of her dramatic pendant necklaces, incorporating materials that included semi-precious stones, abalone shells and crystals.
Bruce MacCormack provided an array of 'Geek Sheek' tie and hat pins, made out of 1980s computer parts and circuitry.
There were miniature paintings by Jeanette Luchese, Jennifer Sheffer and Tabitha Marshall (Tab Creates); fascinating tiny sculptures by Gail Esau, and whimsical soft sculptures by Carey Cruise; luminous hand-colored silver gelatin prints by acclaimed photographer Diana Harding Tucker; mixed media works by Dania Jaremczuk; found object collages by Peter Bernardi and Mareka Martin.
Luck, who lives and works in Cookstown, created something a little different for this year’s show: a handmade book, Cat’s Song, using hand-cut stencils. The accordion book unfolds and can be displayed on a mantle or shelf. "Then it becomes sculpture," she explained.
Maggie Grace brought in a triptych of small paintings that she called “The COVID Series: I went walking” – a trio of local scenes, observed while walking along her road during the pandemic, that share a sense of discovery within a familiar landscape.
In addition to their tiny size and creativity, all of the artwork in 6 x 6 x Cookstown share one more thing: a tiny price tag. All are priced between $25 and $300.
6 x 6 x Cookstown will be on display at Halliday House & Co., 9 Queen St. in Cookstown until Dec. 5; both the show and the store are open Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m..
Halliday House & Co., which was able to reopen earlier this year under provincial COVID protocols, offers everything from unique décor and giftware, to fresh floral arrangements for every occasion.
And the miniature art show, which has become a much-anticipated part of the holiday season, adds a very special dimension to Christmas gift giving.
