Category: mini musings

Daily Mini Exclusive: Gulliver’s Gate Sneak Peek

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Gulliver’s Gate Miniature World in Times Square, NYC

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A massive mini attraction is coming to Times Square in a matter of weeks. At an impressive 49,000 square feet, Gulliver’s Gate is an interactive, immersive world of miniatures unlike any other. A full city block wide, this fantastical world of 1:87 scale (HO scale) miniatures will open to the public on Tuesday, April 4. A grand opening is slated for Tuesday, May 9.

Miniature fans can now enjoy an early bird online discount of 40% now through March 15. To purchase your preview ticket to Gulliver’s Gate, click here.

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Gulliver’s Gate will include miniature scale models of well-known, well-loved, and fictional locations from around the world. This Times Square attraction will feature trains, highways, horses, elephants, hot air balloons, jet planes, space shuttles, and more. Expect action, surprises and more, in this mini world where your imagination seems to have come to life. One highlight? A functioning airport with planes taking off and landing! See the latest progress photos from Gulliver’s Gate here, and make sure to allow 90 minutes for your visit!

Gulliver’s Gate 
216 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10036
Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Last admission: 8:30 PM
Open every day in 2017 except September 30 and December 25

Get your Gulliver’s Gate tickets today!

A city block wide, Gulliver’s Gate is a technologically advanced, interactive, immersive world of miniatures that will ignite your imagination and challenge your perspective. Coming this spring to Times Square, New York. To learn more about this incredible attraction, visit the Gulliver’s Gate website. You can purchase tickets for 40% off today. Follow along to see the latest photos, videos, surprises on more: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

 

Daily Mini Feature: Getting to Know the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts

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The National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts

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578179_158238820970531_1311023722_nThe mission of the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts (NAME) is to promote miniatures through education, collecting, and building friendships and skills through the sharing of experience and ideas. Want to get involved? Learn more about joining NAME as a member.

NAME is proud to be:

  • A Patron of the Museum of Miniature Houses in Carmel, IN
  • A Sponsor of the Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls, & Toys
  • A Patron of the Toy and Miniature Museum of Kansas City
  • A Supporting member of Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis
  • A member of IGMA (International Guild of Miniature Artisans)
  • A Carmel Arts & Design District Business Association member
  • A Patron of the Mini Time Museum in Tucson, Arizona
  • A Supporter of Real Good Toys Dollhouse for a Cause program
  • A member of CIMTA (Cottage Industry Miniaturists Trade Association, Inc.)

To learn more about NAME’s current code of ethics, click here.

To connect with local miniaturists and miniature enthusiasts near you, click here.

If you love miniatures and want to meet more mini enthusiasts and miniaturists near you, check out the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts’ website or follow along on Facebook.

Miniature Ships on Display at Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia

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Independence Seaport Museum Features Silver Ships in Miniature

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Silver shipsThe Independence Seaport Museum is currently exhibiting Silver Ships of the Seven Seas, a collection of miniature ships. The 2015 holiday presentation of Silver Ships will be presented on recycled lumber castoffs from the construction of Schooner Diligence. Philly Seaport’s miniature ships were collected by Jacobus and Louisa Pierot during their travels in the late 20th century. The ships were gifted to the museum by Louisa in memory of her late husband.

The Seaport Museum’s miniature ships will be on display throughout the month of December. In addition, visitors and Philly locals are encouraged to visit the Museum on Saturday, December 12 from 11 AM to 5:45 PM for holiday activities and entertainment, all free with museum admission.

On Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 5:30 PM, the Independence Seaport Museum will celebrate its annual Parade of Lights on the Delaware River. This lighted boat parade will feature a working port, with tugboats and other vessels decorated in lights.

See below for additional Seaport Museum holiday events taking place on December 12:

  • The Silver Ships display, a holiday tradition featuring dozens of miniature silver ships from the museum’s collection.
  • The Ship Model Shack’s lighted model ship display. The Ship Model Shack is the home of the Philadelphia Ship Model Society, the oldest ship modeling society in America.
  • Santa’s “Workshop on the Water” where guests can make holiday ornaments and gingerbread boats.
  • A selfie with Santa before he heads out to lead the parade.
  • Live music from a local high school choir.
  • Photo op with Calico Jack, a greedy scrooge-like pirate.
  • Face painting by a local artist.

The Independence Seaport Museum is located at 211 S. Columbus Blvd in Philadelphia, PA 19106. The museum is open daily from 10 AM – 5 PM. For more information about the miniature ships on display or this year’s Parade of Lights, call 215-413-8655 or visit the Philly Seaport website. Make sure to check out the latest museum updates on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

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Daily Mini Feature: Colleen Moore’s Fairy Castle Delights All Ages

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Colleen Moore’s Fairy Castle

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Colleen Moore Fairy Castle @ the Museum of Science and Industry
Photo credit: J.B. Spector/Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago.

Colleen Moore’s Fairy Castle—a nearly 9-foot fairy dream home of fantastic proportions—was completed in 1935 by silent film star Colleen Moore and is filled with remarkable miniatures and artifacts collected from celebrities, artisans and craftspeople around the world. The Fairy Castle structure, which took seven years and cost $500,000 at the time to create, is located in the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI), one of the largest science museums in the world.

Colleen Moore Fairy Castle @ the Museum of Science and Industry
Photo credit: J.B. Spector/Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago.

Colleen Moore was a silent film star in Hollywood during the 1920s, and her position as one of the most popular actresses gave her the resources to make a childhood dream become a reality. She owned several elaborate doll houses as a child, but later in life, her father suggested she should pursue her passion for miniatures and doll houses by creating one of her own. In 1928, she began the plans for a majestic dream home. She enlisted architect and set designer for First National Studios, Horace Jackson, to create the floor plan and layout, while art director and interior designer Harold Grieve, who had redesigned Colleen Moore’s mansion, assisted with the interiors. Between 1928 and 1935, about 100 people worked on the Fairy Castle.

In 1935, Moore organized a national tour of the Fairy Castle to raise money for children’s charities, and it stopped in the toy departments of major cities’ department stores. In 1949, Major Lenox Lohr, president of MSI, convinced Moore to have the Fairy Castle make one final stop at the Museum, where it has become a favorite permanent exhibit, visited by millions and loved by generations for the remarkable creativity and imagination it represents.

Colleen Moore miniature autograph book. Photo credit: J.B. Spector/Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago.

The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, one of the largest science museums in the world, offers world-class and uniquely interactive science experiences that inspire inventive genius and foster curiosity. Through groundbreaking and award-winning exhibits that can’t be found anywhere else, to Live Science Experiences that make you the scientist—a visit to MSI is where fun and learning mix. Through its Center for the Advancement of Science Education, MSI offers a variety of student, teacher and family programs that make a difference in communities and contribute to the Museum’s larger vision: to inspire and motivate children to achieve their full potential in science, technology, medicine and engineering. The Museum is supported in part through the generosity of the people of Chicago through the Chicago Park District.

Come visit the museum at 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, IL 60637. MSI is open 9:30AM – 4PM every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Extended hours, until 5:30 p.m., are offered during peak periods.For more information, find MSI online at msichicago.org or call (773) 684-1414 or (800) GO-TO-MSI outside of the Chicago area.

Fairy Castle Conservation at the Museum of Science and Industry. Photo credit: J.B. Spector/Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago.

Daily Mini Feature: Miniature Art Prize Now Accepting Entries for 2016 International Miniature Art Competition

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Miniaturists Invited to Showcase Work at 2016 International Miniature Art Competition

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2016 Miniature Art Prize entry collaboration by Michael Walton and Jim Irish: Cut Crystal Decanter and 6 Glasses on Stems by Jim Irish inside Globe on Stand by Michael Walton.

Miniature Art Prize is an independently organized international miniature art competition for miniatures in 1:12 scale, 1:24 scale, 1:48 scale and 1:144 scale. Annually in April, miniature art from around the world will be exhibited at the Hyatt Regency, located at 1800 E. Golf Road in Schaumburg, Illinois.

For three days in 2016 (April 14, April 15, April 16), miniature art from around the world will be voted on by exhibition attendees. Winners will be announced on the morning of Saturday, April 16.

Miniature art submissions are due on February 1, 2016. To submit work in miniature, complete the artisan entry form today. For questions about the Miniature Art Prize competition, miniaturists may contact Greg Madl by phone or email.

Exhibition Times:
Thursday, April 14: Preview from 2-8 PM  
Tickets are required and the cost is $25.00 and includes a dinner buffet. To purchase tickets go to The Miniature Show website.

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Detail of Globe Drinks Cabinet by Michael Walton and Jim Irish.

Friday, April 15: 10 AM – 5 PM 
 Admission is $5.00 and children 12 and under are free. Includes admission to The Miniature Show.

Saturday, April 16: 10 AM – 3PM 
Admission is $5.00 and children 12 and under are free. Includes admission to The Miniature Show.

2016 Prizes:
Best in Show: Swan House Miniatures Prize of $4000.00 and full-feature article in Dollhouse Miniatures and Dollshouse World magazines
Second Prize: Swan House Miniatures Prize of $700.00
Third Prize: Swan House Miniatures Prize of $300.00
Fourth Prize: Miniature Art Prize Purchase Award. Each year MAP will purchase one piece from the exhibition which will go on a traveling exhibition to promote the art of miniatures.

To learn more about the first Miniature Art Prize competition, visit the Miniature Art Prize website. To purchase tickets online, visit The Miniature Show website. For questions about submitting work to the 2016 Miniature Art Prize competition, miniaturists may contact Greg Madl. Click here more information on Swan House Miniatures.

The Miniature Exhibition Opens at Grunwald Gallery of Art

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Miniaturists Unveil Top Works in The Miniature
Exhibition on View at Grunwald Gallery of Art, Indiana University
Friday, August 28 – Friday, October 3

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Thomas Doyle, Proxy (Haven Ln.), 2013, mixed media

The Grunwald Gallery of Art at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana will kick off its fall exhibition series with The Miniature, an exhibition of miniature-themed work by ten renowned miniaturists and artisans. On view Friday, August 28 through Friday, October 3, this show will feature miniature work in a variety of media, exact miniature replicas of historical instruments or furniture, models, miniature worlds, and much more. Participating artists are Matthew Albanese, Nell Corkin, Althea Crome, Blane de St. Croix, Thomas Doyle, Joe Fig, Mark Murphy, William Robertson, Lee-Ann Chellis Wessel, and Michael Yurkovic. Gallery hours are Tuesday – Saturday from 12-4 PM.

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Althea Crome, Ancient Egyptian Cardigan, 2005, silk thread

A great number of artists working in miniature today display a compulsive motivation and an obsessive attention to detail. These talented artisans must create and customize tools to suit their needs; indeed the process of designing and constructing these tools is often as inventive as the finished miniatures themselves.

In conjunction with The Miniature exhibition, the following events are free and open to the public:

Lecture by Joe Fig
Friday, August 28 at 5 PM in Fine Arts 102

Opening Reception
Friday, August 28 from 6-8 PM in Grunwald Gallery

Lecture by Thomas Doyle
Friday, September 4 at 5 PM in Fine Arts 102

Demonstration by William Robertson
Friday, September 11 at 12 PM in Grunwald Gallery

Demonstration by Althea Crome
Friday, September 11 at 12 PM in Grunwald Gallery

For more information and images, contact the Grunwald Gallery of Art at (812) 855-8490 or grunwald@indiana.edu. Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, or visit the Grunwald Gallery website. 

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Bill Robertson, Gold Microscope, 1998, 24k gold, wood, shagreen, Louis XV style microscope. Original in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
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Blane de St. Croix, Two Ends, 2011, mixed materials, each 8’ x 2.5’ x 5.5′
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Joe Fig, Ross Bleckner, 2007, mixed media


 

Top Miniatures on View at 2015 Guild Show

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The International Guild of Miniature Artisans Presents Guild Show 2015

Three-drawer chest by Smaller Than Life (Pete and Pam Boorum, IGMA Artisan members), small carry box with handle by Bubba’s Country Cupboards (Barbara Vajnar, IGMA Artisan member)
Three-drawer chest by Smaller Than Life (Pete and Pam Boorum, IGMA Artisan members), small carry box with handle by Bubba’s Country Cupboards (Barbara Vajnar, IGMA Artisan member)

The International Guild of Miniature Artisans (IGMA) was incorporated in the late 1970s with the aim of promoting miniatures as fine art. To that end, the Guild Show was established to provide a venue for talented IGMA Artisan and Fellow members to show and sell their work.

Open to the public, the Guild Show 2015 will take place this summer on Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9 at the Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe in Teaneck, NJ. The show is open to all and is conveniently located just across the river from New York City, easily accessible by bus and car. Admittance details for this year’s Guild Show are as follows:

Saturday, August 8 from 9 – 10 AM: Show Preview for Guild members only
Saturday, August 8 from 10 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday, August 9 from 10 AM- 3:30 PM

General admission, open to the public: $10 one day, $15 two day pass
Children under 14: free
IGMA Members admitted free

Last year, the Guild Show celebrated its 35th Anniversary and is still going strong, featuring some of the best work in miniatures today. Guild Show events include extensive exhibits, classes, tours, auctions, and other festivities noted below:

  • Dealers
  • Broadway Night
  • Thursday & Friday Classes
  • Tour to Historic Hudson Valley
  • Gathering: Desserts & Demonstrations
  • Annual Meeting
  • Small Beginnings
  • Exhibits
  • Gallery of the Guild
  • Live and Silent Auctions
  • Area Events: NYC & New Jersey

Pre-show events commence on Wednesday, August 5. Visit the IGMA website for more information and directions. For details on becoming an IGMA Member, please click here.

Violets by Peter Gabel, IGMA Artisan member
Violets by Peter Gabel, IGMA Artisan member
Three-tiered wicker stand by Uncle Ciggie’s (Vicky Sanfield, IGMA Artisan member)
Three-tiered wicker stand by Uncle Ciggie’s (Vicky Sanfield, IGMA Artisan member)
Urchin lamp by Studebaker Miniatures (Bill Studebaker, IGMA Artisan member), Queen Anne side chair by Mark Murphy, IGMA Fellow member
Urchin lamp by Studebaker Miniatures (Bill Studebaker, IGMA Artisan member), Queen Anne side chair by Mark Murphy, IGMA Fellow member

2015 Guild School by the International Guild of Miniature Artisans

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The Ripple Effect. Spread the Knowledge. Share the Fun. 

The Guild School is an annual week of instruction by International Guild of Miniature Artisans (IGMA) Fellows and Artisans in scale miniatures. Set in Castine, Maine each June, the Guild School features classes and workshops by 33 instructors, all of which are current Artisans or Fellows of the Guild.

BW_Guild_School_2014_0331SQ-X3This year’s 34th annual IGMA Guild School will take place from June 13-19 in Castine. Over 200 miniaturists from around the world (42 states and 11 countries are represented this year) take part in more than 50 miniature-making classes. Guild students are taught techniques in woodworking, metalsmithing, figure sculpting, painting, needlework, room/building construction, plant making, food sculpting, wicker, weaving, mosaics, and pottery. With 6 full days of classes (each class spans from 6-8 hours a day), students work diligently to develop their skills and further hone their miniature craft.

Guild_School_2014_0478-X3In addition, the 2015 Guild School will feature evening seminars, a student and instructor exhibit, live and silent auctions, an exhibit of class projects, a graduation night banquet, lobster cookout, and a miniature sale night. Click to view past Guild School events.

All skill levels are welcome to attend the week-long IGMA Guild School set on a picture-perfect campus in a quaint, historical, coastal village in scenic Maine. The School is just one education component of the International Guild of Miniature Artisans. Guild_School_2014_0474-X3IGMA was founded in 1979 to promote fine miniatures as an art form; to increase awareness and appreciation of high-quality workmanship through public education; to recognize and honor qualified artisans and encourage work of highest quality; to encourage the development of new artisans; and to coordinate and serve the interests and needs of the artisan and non-artisan.

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To learn more about the IGMA Guild School, visit the Guild School website. You can follow along on Facebook and Instagram. For information about the International Guild of Miniature Artisans, visit igma.org. 

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D. Thomas Fine Miniatures Now Open in New York

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dthomasfineminisThe winter of 2014 welcomed big changes to the miniatures community within historic Lower Hudson Valley, NY: D. Thomas Fine Miniatures opened its doors as a premier destination for miniature collectors, artisans, and enthusiasts from around the world.

D. Thomas Fine Miniatures is a new retail destination complete with artisan dollhouses and the highest quality of collections including 1:12 scale furniture, designs and accessories. The newly launched space now offers DIY workshops and classes taught by master craftsmen and artists in the miniature industry. In addition, the shop also features a gallery space that showcases extraordinary miniatures by internationally acclaimed artists and designers. Now on display in the gallery through the end of June 2015 is Alma de España: The Artistry and Vision of Hernán Buljevich.

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D. Thomas Fine Miniatures was created by Darren Thomas Scala for two unique purposes: to raise awareness about miniatures as a decorative art form and to introduce the discipline to new generations of enthusiasts everywhere. A Brooklyn-born artist and corporate beauty and cosmetics brand marketer, Scala has always had a passion for miniatures.f6da19c59f0b9001bca7d3d2fcc7b970

“It’s been my dream to create a space where I could introduce miniatures to the public and generate the same level of excitement I have for these pieces. Miniatures have thrilled for centuries. There is seduction in scale that transcends time. Miniatures truly capture the imagination and provide opportunity to dream, discover and explore,” Scala explains.

A decades-old dream realized, D. Thomas Fine Miniatures has been welcomed with open arms by the Hastings-On-Hudson business community. Visit the space and experience the wonder of the miniature for yourself!

Address:
579 Warburton Avenue #6
Hastings-On-Hudson, New York 10706

Hours:
Tuesday through Saturday 10 AM-5 PM
Sundays 12-5 PM
Evenings by appointment

Stay updated on the latest miniature news by following #obeytheminiature and D. Thomas Fine Miniatures on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Shop the store online and make sure to check out the new website and recent blog posts today!

Photo credit to PeterLauPhotography.com.