Community members view miniature art pieces in Berlin

WORCESTER COUNTY, Md. – For 47 years, the Worcester County Arts Gallery has been bringing different creations to Berlin, for people with an acquired taste in art to view. This month, the exhibit’s focus is Small Treasures.

“The main objective is to encourage and challenge artists to become involved in the world of miniature art,” said artist and volunteer, Angela Pierce.

Taking a big concept and turning it into a mini art piece was the challenge for 18 different artists, like Angela Pierce, who has her majestic Chincoteague pony on display.

“I love this little frisky pony,” Pierce said. “I have these small canvases and boards and it turned out really good.”

John Lawler is an art lover himself, and he believes that bringing exhibits, like Small Treasures, to communities, can expose locals to the rich history of the Eastern Shore.

“These little local galleries, they show you a lot about what’s important to the people here- the history here in the town, and what’s available,” Lawler said. “I think it’s important to have these everywhere.”

Each piece gives attendees something nice to look at, and the display also helps raise scholarship funds for students interested in liberal arts.

“The awards are made possible through a grant from the Mary Humphrey Foundation and John Susan’s family, and contributions by many patrons of the arts council,” Pierce said.

While a few of Pierce’s creations are contributing to a good cause, she’s happy the exhibit challenged her, and other artists, to think big and paint small.

“I just think it’s really fun to come out and see different artworks from all different people, and you get to see how artists can create small pieces,” Pierce said.