An innovative art project in Provo, Utah, has given new life to a disused stairwell by converting it into a fully functional miniature gallery. The Tiny Art Show, created by artist McKay Lenker Bayer, operates at a 1:6 scale and features original artwork from numerous local and regional artists in an unexpectedly small but professionally curated space.
The concept originated in 2016 when Lenker Bayer was still an undergraduate student. Her professor had assigned the class to exhibit their work publicly, but feeling uncertain about presenting her art to audiences, she decided to downsize her approach literally. She created miniature paintings complete with tiny labels, which sparked the idea for an entire exhibition space designed at a much smaller scale.
Two years later, in 2018, Lenker Bayer officially established Tiny Art Show as a community art project. Initially, the project was nomadic in nature, utilizing unique and unexpected locations throughout Provo to showcase miniature artwork. However, this year marked a significant milestone as the project finally secured its own permanent, dedicated gallery space.
The new location sits inside what was previously an unused stairwell, accessible directly from street level. The gallery features a storefront-style design with a distinctive blue facade that deliberately evokes the aesthetic of retail spaces found in major cities like New York or London. Despite its diminutive size, Lenker Bayer describes it as a completely functional commercial art gallery that simply happens to be tiny.
The gallery operates with all the features of a traditional art space, just scaled down dramatically. Original artwork is available for purchase, and the space hosts opening events where visitors can enjoy appropriately sized refreshments and tiny snacks. Near the entrance, art enthusiasts can even pick up a miniature newspaper from a small vending machine, adding to the authentic gallery experience.
Beyond the physical gallery space, Tiny Art Show has expanded into additional programming and services. The project facilitates the Monthly Mini Mail Club, a subscription service that sends subscribers a small periodical called The Tiny Times along with a booklet featuring that month's gallery exhibition. The organization also sells tiny art kits through their shop, alongside prints and various merchandise items.
The project has gained attention for its creative approach to community engagement and art accessibility. Featured artists have included Brian Kershisnik and Merrilee Liddiard, among others, demonstrating the gallery's ability to attract established artists to participate in its unique format. The miniature scale creates an intimate viewing experience that encourages close examination of the artwork while making art more approachable for some visitors.
Those interested in following the project can find more information on the Tiny Art Show website and stay updated on upcoming exhibitions through their active Instagram account, where they regularly announce new shows and featured artists.
