Miniature Masterpieces

COLUMBIA ART LEAGUE HOSTS TINY THINGS ART SHOW THROUGH EARLY APRIL.

BY MADELEINE LEROUX · PHOTOS PROVIDED BY COLUMBIA ART LEAGUE

Fans of miniatures will want to check out the latest show at the Columbia Art League. Open through April 7 is the annual Tiny Things art show, where all pieces are limited to 8 inches by 8 inches, including the frame.

It’s been an annual show for the Columbia Art League since 2021, says Kelsey Hammond, the league’s executive director. “I wanted to create the feeling of care and comfort in the gallery,” Hammond says, noting that the first year was right when we were first coming out of the worst of the pandemic. “I think small things make you feel like you need to care for/protect them and, honestly, I felt like (at the time) we needed something to dote on and adore.”

Plus, there’s something more accessible about small works. The price point is usually lower for buyers, Hammond says, and artists get an opportunity to make something different from their usual pieces.

That first Tiny Things show in 2021 wound up being one of the league’s better selling shows, she says. “It included more artists than we'd had in a long time, including new artists who hadn't shown their work with us or ever,” Hammond says. Past shows have seen a wide variety of work in different mediums, including painting, photography, woodworking, ceramics and drawing, she says. One of the pieces shown last year was a vase made of 217 tiny things, which were 7-inch by 3-inch pieces of wood, made by Tom Stauder. “It's a fun show that feels both spontaneous and planned,” Hammond says. “It's delightful.”

A reception for the show will be held from 6-8 p.m. March 10 and is free and open to the public. Hammond says it’s a fun opportunity to meet new people and artists in the community. And, if you’re looking for something new, you may just find it there. “You're sure to find something special to take home if you're in the market for a little artwork that can fit anywhere,” Hammond says. Even if you’ve never purchased original art before, she says finding a small piece is a great way to start. And supporting local artists is even better. “I always encourage people to buy art from local artists so that you're having a direct impact on the people in your community,” Hammond says. “Our Tiny Things show is perfect for that!

Details

WHAT Tiny Things art show WHERE Columbia Art League’s Betty & Art Robins Gallery WHEN Through April 7 COST

What’s Going On

THE EVENTS YOU NEED TO KNOW.

Dates and events are subject to change. Please visit the event website for the most up-to-date information.

March

MARCH 2-5

“THE ADDAMS FAMILY: A NEW MUSICAL COMEDY”

COLUMBIA ENTERTAINMENT CO.

Watch as Wednesday Addams navigates a new love and struggles with keeping secrets from family in “

The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy.” This show took to the stage mid-February and will close out in the beginning of March.

2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. shows; $12-$20; cectheatre.org

MARCH 3-5

TRUE/FALSE FILM FEST

THE DISTRICT – DOWNTOWN COLUMBIA

The annual True/False Film Fest is back in downtown Columbia for a weekend celebration. Along with film screenings, enjoy concerts, immersive art installations and late-night parties. Times and prices vary; truefalse.org

MARCH 11

COMO MAN SHOW 2023

HOLIDAY INN EXPO CENTER

If you like hunting, fishing, power tools, beer or anything else manly, you won’t want to miss this event. It’s the perfect one-stop shop for all things man in mid-Missouri.

10 a.m.-3 p.m.; $15-$20; comomanshow.com

MARCH 11

COLUMBIA POLAR PLUNGE BASS PRO SHOP

Join Columbia risk-takers at the polar plunge and help raise money for Special Olympics Missouri. Watch as those brave enough withstand the bitter cold at Bass Pro Shops Lake, all for a good cause.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.; donations encouraged; somo.org

MARCH 15

AUSTIN MEADE ROSE MUSIC HALL

Fans of rock music can enjoy Austin Meade at Rose Music Hall. Meade grew up with classic rock in his blood, and now uses the rock songs that inspired his past to create the songs of his future.

8 p.m.; $15-$18; rosemusichall.com

April

APRIL 7-8

MARECK DANCE: LIVE!

MISSOURI THEATRE

Join Mareck Dance and celebrate the power of dance to live music. This unique experience will feature three world premieres, acclaimed works from Mareck Dance and original compositions.

7 p.m.; from $28; concertseries.missouri.edu

APRIL 20

DRAKE WHITE

THE BLUE NOTE

Country fans get ready for a concert you won’t forget! Grab your boots and jam out with country star Drake White at The Blue Note.

8 p.m.; $20-$45; thebluenote.com

APRIL 20-23

UNBOUND BOOK FESTIVAL

DOWNTOWN COLUMBIA

This local literary festival brings nationally and internationally recognized authors to Columbia to showcase their books, as well as talk about their lives and their work. The mission is to bring readers and writers together, enlightening them with new ideas and inspiration. Schedule to be announced; unboundbookfestival.com

APRIL 22

COMO RETRO GAME CONVENTION

STONEY CREEK INN

This gamer convention is returning for a third year. Classic game fans can find vendors selling Atari, Nintendo, Sony, Intellivision and more, as well as tournaments, panels and other fun activities.

10 a.m.-5 p.m.; CoMoRetroCon.com

Entering the real estate market can be intimidating. There are so many things to consider, regardless of whether you’re buying or selling.

That’s why we called in the experts on local real estate to help you navigate the process that can seem over-complicated at times. Whether you’re wondering how to list and sell your home fast or looking for the best commercial property, these local experts can help. And when you’re ready to take the leap into the market, know that these real estate professionals are here to facilitate.