LEONARDTOWN, Md. — All art pieces in Leonardtown’s upcoming Tiny Art Show must be very, very tiny. Specifically, pieces cannot exceed 4 inches in any direction. This unique art show will be held at the St. Mary’s County Arts Council Gallery & Gift Shop at 22660 Washington Street and kicks off on Friday, Nov. 14. Submissions are due by Nov. 1 using the show submission form. The show runs until Dec. 20, and artists can set their own prices for the opportunity to sell their work on-site.
Local Leonardtown artist Jami of Elsewise Art said she conceived the show after being inspired by similar shows in Salem, Oregon, where she previously lived and worked as an artist.
“I just fell in love with the teeny tiny art,” Jami said. “It was so cute.”
Jami also added that Tiny Art Shows present less of a barrier to first-time artists who might be overwhelmed by creating something for a show. The pieces themselves are small and therefore less time-consuming, and the “tiny-ness” of it all takes some of the pressure off. The Tiny Art Show is more the whimsical side of the art world, an inviting space for those looking to try something new.
The show, she says, is especially appealing for kids, and they received dozens of submissions from kids, middle schoolers and teens last year. She hopes the same is true this year and recently set up an art creation station at Leonardtown’s First Friday event to encourage people to enter the show with art they created on the spot.
The Tiny Art Show is also more than art. It’s a miniature scene and an homage to the idea of art shows and all those who participate in them. It’s a little meta depiction of the art world and the creative process, and shows how community art projects better us all.
And part of the purpose of events like these — and much of what the local arts scene in Leonardtown hopes to put forward — is to make art more accessible and community-focused. A show doesn’t have to have a high barrier to entry or require years of formal training or fancy connections. In the Tiny Art Show, all are welcome, and all have the opportunity to be a working artist.
Jami also maintains a studio above the St. Mary’s Arts Council and says collaborating with the council on projects is part of what makes the arts scene so vibrant — she plans the show and solicits the art, while the council hosts and manages the show. It’s one of many collaborative projects she’s worked on since moving to Leonardtown in 2022.
As for Jami’s own art, she described a creative process that’s “always evolving.” The benefit of Tiny Art is that it gives people the chance to try things, to experiment and to let go of the pressure.
“I want to encourage people to know that this is a good way to try submitting a piece of art. You don’t have to feel overwhelmed. You can always just try it,” Jami said.
Interested artists can submit up to two pieces in any medium they choose, as long as the pieces are no larger than 4×4 inches. All art must be family-friendly and suitable for all ages.
In addition to the show, there will be a Gallery Reception at the December First Friday event on Dec. 5 from 5–8 p.m.
Learn more about the Tiny Art Show, how to submit your art, and how to attend the show.
Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.
Join The BayNet Membership for exclusive perks and zero ads.
Don’t miss a story—sign up for our newsletter!