In 2016, while pursuing her undergraduate studies, artist McKay Lenker Bayer was tasked by her professor with exhibiting her artwork. Feeling uncertain about showcasing her creations in a public forum, she opted for a diminutive approach, presenting tiny paintings accompanied by minuscule labels. This sparked the idea for a compact exhibition venue.
By 2018, Lenker Bayer launched the Tiny Art Show, a community-focused art initiative that employs unconventional spaces throughout Provo, Utah, to display original works by various artists. Until recently, the project operated in a nomadic fashion, but Tiny Art Show has now secured a dedicated location.
Crafted at a scale of 1:6, the storefront-style gallery is nestled within a former stairwell, easily accessible from the street. Its blue exterior is reminiscent of retail facades found in New York City or London, while inside, it’s what Lenker Bayer characterizes as “a fully operational, commercial art gallery… that just happens to be tiny.” Original artworks are available for purchase, and opening events attract crowds who enjoy delightful miniature refreshments, alongside the option to snag a tiny newspaper from the vending machine situated by the entrance.
Alongside its small-scale physical exhibitions, Tiny Art Show also promotes a variety of creative projects, including the Monthly Mini Mail Club—a subscription service that sends out a pint-sized magazine titled The Tiny Times, paired with a booklet highlighting the current month’s gallery exhibition. Additionally, tiny art kits and various prints are available in the shop.
Discover more about this innovative project on their website, and follow along on Instagram for updates regarding upcoming shows.
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