Think Small...No, Smaller

This is America, so bigger is always better, right?

Not so, of course, as was beautifully demonstrated at tonight's Think Small Exhibition preview party at Art 6 and Artspace.

It was the 5th biennial international miniature invitational and while there were plenty of artists represented from RVA, there were also artists shown from Tuscon, Chicago, Budapest and places in between.

The works accepted could be no more than 3 inches in any direction, but that could mean 3 inches of sculpture, photography, painting and just about any other interpretation of form.

Tonight's preview party included a buffet prepared by some local favorites, including Mekong, Bistro 27 and Kuba, Kuba, among others.

Your ticket purchase also got you drinks at both galleries and there was a cushy motor coach (okay, bus) to transport participants from Broad Street to Manchester.

The event was a fundraiser for both galleries and undoubtedly desperately needed at a time when arts funding is almost non-existent.

But the primary benefit to attendees was the opportunity to purchase the art before the First Friday masses arrive tomorrow and purchase they did.

Many pieces earned a red sticker tonight, signifying that they'd been sold.

And while the art was small, the prices ranged from $35 to $400 to "Inquire," which usually means if you have to ask, you can't afford it.

But there was a great deal of interesting and affordable art to choose from out of the nearly 400 pieces on display.

The exhibit is a perfect opportunity for art lovers to acquire a piece (or two) worth enjoying every day.

And, beware,  if you don't go for it now, it'll be two more years before you have the opportunity to Think Small again.

Unless, of course, you'er thinking about something other than art.