2021 shows
2021 shows
January: La Befana
February: The Dark Crystal
March: Mollusk Madness
April: Kiki Nelson Photography
May: Grace Nelzen Painting
June: Cacti You Can Cuddle
July: Mike Bennett Art
August: Ian Park Ceramics
September: Sweet tooth Show
October: Annual Halloween Show
November: Gooder knits
December: Annual Krampus Show
La Befana
La Befana is a character from Italian folklore. She is a witch who arrives on Epiphany and delivers presents. She is shown here traveling through the woods, accompanied by some woodland creatures.
Sculpture by Alissa Tran
The Dark Crystal
When I was little I watched The Dark Crystal so many times on VHS that I warped the tape. It is still my favorite movie. This display features some original character designs for creatures that I imagine would live in the world of Thra. It also includes three tiny fizzgig sculptures(available to adopt!). The floor and back wall have some of my dark crystal trading cards that were a thoughtful gift from one of my former students.
Illustrations and sculptures by Alissa Tran
Mollusk Maddness
Cephalopods are amazing creatures! Octopus, squids, cuttlefish and nautilus are intelligent, mysterious, and have inspired myths and artwork for ages. This show features some squid airplaint holders, two ceramic octopus bowls, some polymer clay charms, and an anthropomorphic ceramic figure. All artwork made by Alissa Tran
Kiki Nelson Photography
A very special show for April, featuring guest artist Kiki Nelson. This show includes avian themed photography on a mini scale. The walls have hand colored Van Dyke photographs and the main gallery showcases acrylic mounted photos. Each are absolutely beautiful and even moreso in person. To inquire about Kiki's photography, visit her website: kikinelson.com
Oregon Landscapes by Grace Nelzen
Miniature oil paintings of Mt. Hood, Crater lake and the Oregon coast are highlighted in our May show. Grace Nelzen is currently studying to be a history teacher, but art will always be an important part of her life. She is a well-rounded Renaissance woman and one of my former students. I'm so proud to get to host her work for the month and hope to do so again in the future.
Cacti You Can Cuddle
We are excited to host Cacti You Can Cuddle and this amazing desert landscape for the month of June. Our neighbor and long time friend of the minigallery, Angela, handmade these delightful cacti, including barrel, saguaro, agave and nopal. To learn more check out the Cacti You Can Cuddle facebook fb.com/cactiyoucancuddle or follow her on instagram @cactiyoucancuddle.
Mike Bennett Art's Mini A-Z Zoo
Voted Portland's Best Visual Artist in 2020, you may be familiar with Mike Bennett's giant cutouts that have added joy and whimsy throughout Portland. Notably, he created an A-Z zoo in his front yard during the pandemic. He has recreated it here on a miniature scale. To learn more, visit www.atozoopdx.com , follow him on instagram @mikebennettart, and buy merch at www.shirtnerdery.com/mikebennettart
Ian Park Ceramics
Titled "Uncanny Granny Candy", our August show features the work of local ceramic artist Ian Park. It includes slip cast and handbuilt ceramics, with a glow in the dark background. His work explores camp, queerness, horror, class and humor and we love it. To see more of Ian's work, follow him on instagram @eeriesissy or his website www.ianparkart.com
Sweet Tooth Show
September sweetness rendered in colored pencil, acrylic and polymer clay. Influenced by Pop Art and Wayne Thiebaud, in particular, this show in bright and bold. All work by Alissa Tran.
Vampire Hunter's Lair
The October show features some comical and obscure vampires and a mini vampire hunting kit. Featured vampires include a Nosferatu scratchboard, tiny Marceline the Vampire Queen, Count from Sesame Street, and the lovable Bunnicula. All work created by Alissa Tran
Knit November by Gooder Knits
It's sweater weather outside, so cozy up to check out these cute creations by @gooderknits. Local artist Marisa creates full size textiles as well, but who can resist the adorable creations nestled in the gallery. She even made a unicorn!
Annual Krampus Show
Little Krampus decor for all you naughty and nice folks. Two needle felted krampus figures, a krampus mug, and ornaments, handmade by Alissa Tran. Each is whimsical and not all that scary upon closer inspection. Pop in to check them out before the annual PDX Krampuslauf.