A Look Back: 2016

It was a banner year for miniatures in the United States from strong media attention to the category, to new shows and events, gallery exhibitions and emerging trends in the small arts. Here is a sampling of what's made this year so great! (photo: K. D. Alenti).

MINIATURES IN MAINSTREAM MEDIA

Miniatures moved to a mainstream position as reported in this New York Times article about folks who are as passionate about little things as we are .... “miniacs!” (Photo below: Phillip Nuveen)

In October, the Wall Street Journal talked about the folks who refurbish dollhouses in a whole new and modern way.

Author Nicole Cooley talks about her experience with miniatures in this piece published in The Atlantic. She also describes how for the first time since the 1970's interest in miniatures is on the rise.

MAJOR EXHIBITIONS FEATURING MINIATURES

During 2016, a number of major museums offered exhibitions featuring the small arts. The National Building Museum's Small Stories included several historic dollhouses, taking us through their historical significance. The show also featured artists from all over the world commissioned to create shadowboxes filled with imaginative scenes depicting the ideal dream house.

Miniaturist Thomas Doyle held his first solo exhibition of tiny works, If the Creek Don't Rise, at the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers, NY. In this show, themes of anxiety and foreshadowing of a bleak future were presented in micro scale and showed man's continual conflict between nature, relationships and history.

The Bruce Museum, in Greenwich CT, took a contemporary approach focusing on the natural world featuring work by artists including Lori Nix, Sally Curcio and Guy Laramee.

In the Gallery at D. Thomas Fine Miniatures, we featured talented artisans such as Michael Yurkovic, Thomas Doyle, Robert Off, Beth Freeman-Kane and Gerard Klein Hofmeijer. (Photo below: The Little Street by Gerard Klein Hofmeijer)

MINIATURIST MAKING THEIR MARK

New and noteworthy miniaturists included urban graffiti artisans: Ryan Thomas Monahan (BlackBook Gallery), Kevin D'Alenti and Damien Webb inspired by pop art, city life and all its grit and grime.

The modern miniature dollhouse realm saw work by artists including Mad Missy Minis (interior design), Modern Dollhouse Designs (luxury bespoke) and Whimsy Woods (contemporary heirloom). More on this mini movement can be found in this piece by Anita Butterworth in Babyology. (Photo below: Mad Missy Minis)

Newcomers to the scene include Laura Pointon, from Scatter Matter Studios, who creates whimsical mounted animal heads. Amanda K, from Panda Miniatures makes bongs and other adult-themed miniatures and Nathalie Heath from Wild Hare Miniatures offers a cool interpretation on the popular category of food minis. (photo below: Panda Miniatures)

INNOVATION IN MINIATURES

New and interesting ways folks are buying miniatures or becoming activated in the category include L. Delaney's (really) fabulous The Haunted Dollhouse that uses minis delivered by mail that work together to help solve a mystery.

In travel and destination, Gullver's Gate announced its upcoming Spring of 2017 opening in New York City's Times Square. This is BIG news for the mini world.

And a hearty shout-out to our very own SquintBox™, the first subscription-based service in this category to deliver a charming assortment of hand-curated/hand-crafted miniatures to subscriber's doors every month!

2016 was an exciting year for miniatures and we expect this momentum to continue. Be sure to check in on this blog space and our other social media platforms as we bring you the very latest news, innovation and trends in the mini world.

______________________________________________________

ABOUT D. THOMAS FINE MINIATURES

D. Thomas Fine Miniatures is a retail and gallery destination featuring top quality collectibles including 1/12th scale structure, furniture and accessories. The concept, designed to appeal to collectors, crafters and enthusiasts was created, in part, to raise awareness of miniatures as a decorative art form and to introduce the discipline not only to a new generation but to those who may just be discovering it! The gallery space showcases work in miniature by well-known artists from all over the world.

Open House Recap: Gerard Klein Hofmeijer's "The Little House"

An open house was held at D. Thomas Fine Miniatures on Sunday, November 13 to celebrate new work on view in the Gallery by Gerard Klein Hofmeijer.

Mr. Hofmeijer traveled with his significant other, Pien Spijkers, from their hometown of Utrecht, The Netherlands, to be at the event.

The event as also attended by Ms. Tessa Dikker, the Press & Cultural Affairs Officer for Cultural Heritage, from the Dutch Consulate, in New York City and Ms. Nichole Cooley, director of the MFA program in Creative Writing and Literary Translation at Queens College-CUNY.

There was champagne!

Guests were treated to a demonstration by Mr. Klein Hofmeijer of his techniques. Most of the artwork is made from .05mm brass. Each brick on his houses is individually hand-painted to create a realistic view.

Mr. Klein Hofmeijer talked about his inspiration for his miniatures including "The Little Street," in 1:60 scale, the signature piece in show.

The exhibit included "Vlamingstraat 42 Delft," inspired by Vermeer's "The Little Street" and "Leliegracht 35," based on a typical canal house in Amsterdam.

There were extra special little treasures on hand as well including Giovanna, grand-daughter of artist and miniatures enthusiast Mrs. Pamela Goldman of Greenwich, CT.

"The Little House" will be on exhibition in the Gallery at

D. Thomas Fine Miniatures through January 17, 2017 so if you're in the area, please stop in and see the work.

Click here for purchase inquiries

or call us directly at 914-231-9871

_________________________________

ABOUT D. THOMAS FINE MINIATURES

D. Thomas Fine Miniatures is a retail and gallery destination featuring top quality collectibles including 1/12th scale structure, furniture and accessories. The concept, designed to appeal to collectors, crafters and enthusiasts was created, in part, to raise awareness of miniatures as a decorative art form and to introduce the discipline not only to a new generation but to those who may just be discovering it! The gallery space showcases work in miniature by well-known artists from all over the world.

This Season's BIG Gift-Giving Trend is Go SMALL with Miniatures!

D. Thomas Fine Miniatures is excited to report that the 2016 holiday season’s BIG gift-giving trend is actually very small: miniatures!

Recent media buzz surrounding the category includes stories about “miniacs,” (New York Times), a renewed passion for all things small (Wall Street Journal) and, most recently, Zagat’s pop-up Tiny Café in Astor Place in New York City offering tiny versions of trendy edibles.

Small is definitely the new BIG this season. Miniatures tug at your heart and give immediate delight! Miniatures make an impressive statement when giving as a holiday gift; they focus closely on individual passions, interests and tastes.

To make holiday shopping seamless, The D. Thomas 2016 Holiday Gift Giving Guide includes the perfect selection of items for everyone on buyer's shopping lists from an intricately crafted replica of a typical Spanish tapas bar (for your favorite foodie), a couture hand bag shop (for the fashionista) or a 1/12th scale replica of a vintage harpsichord (for the music lover).

Gift-giving this holiday season is all about delighting the ones we love with a tiny treasure in the form of decorative art from tiny treasures to more personalized, custom gifts including the recreation of a memorable scene, a special object or even a scale replica of your home.

2016 GIFT GIVING GUIDE

D. Thomas Fine Miniatures

__________________________

INCH-SCALED

CONTEMPORARY LOFT

by Michael Yurkovic

$6500

*

Astonish the Interior Decorator

with this MCM Masterpiece.

*

Present this modern loft room box, created by Michael Yurkovic of Atomic Miniature, constructed with hardwood floors and metal-like support girders, an LED lighting zone system, floor to ceiling wall of windows, brick platform/wall and a floating staircase leading to a second level. The piece arrives with all objects shown including a Charles Eames-inspired rocker, surfboard table and molded plywood screen. A Saarinen-inspired set of white tulip chairs and table and Mr. Yurkovic's signature MCM (lighted) television set (which can be customized with your own image!) completes the assortment. This is the perfect gift for the modern art enthusiast, MCM fan or stylin' individual and makes a great conversation piece to display

________________________________________

BUTTERFLY FAIRY-FRAMED TRIO

by May Burnett

$350

*

Bewilder the Cult Phenomenalist

with this set of framed dusted-winged butterfly fairies.

Each fairy (two boys and a girl) has been individually designed, hand-painted and decorated with transparent wings using a layered and heat-sealing cello technique for brilliant color, shine and detail. No fairy was harmed in the making of this art. Each framed shadow box is 6" x 6"

________________________________________

THE FASHION BOUTIQUE

by Queenie Wu/Various Artists

$1275

*

Delight the Fashionista

with this tiny boutique paradise.

*

Give this high-end tiny boutique, the perfect gift for the shopping enthusiast which depicts an environment you might find on the Champs Elysees or Via Veneto. This diminutive paradise is filled with 'lil lux handbags, Louboutin-inspired half inch red bottom platforms and other must-have accessories adorned with every designer detail.

The setting measures approximately 12" x12" x 12" on a hardwood/mirrored base with a square glass and includes a vintage French miniature arm chair covered in a hand-painted silk fabric. A tropical plant and other objects complete the buyer's scene. Completely #squeeworthy.

________________________________________

SPANISH TAPAS BAR

by Hernan Buljevich

$16500

*

Inspire the Foodie

with this replica tapas restaurant.

*

Consider this Spanish pub, Alma de Esapana (Soul of Spain, 2014), created by Hernan Buljevich, a university trained architect from Argentina and typifies the classic tapas bar you might find along the Espana Plaza Mayor. A hand-carved wood bar, wine cask/wheel-barrel working chandelier and decoupage ceiling mural adorn this exquisite room box. The liquor shelves hold over 400 individually crafted wine and spirit bottles while cured meats made from polymer clay hang from real hooks and platters of tapas await hungry patrons. The piece measures approximately 34” L x 20" H “x 18 D” and will look perfect placed on a wide shelf or built into a wall nook for viewers to marvel at.

____________________________________

WILDLIFE MINIATURES

by Beth Freeman-KaneFrom

$280

*

Charm the Animal Lover with critters

inspired by the natural world.

*

Choose a tiny treasure inspired by the world which surrounds us. Intricately detailed scale birds, plants, trees and insects are replicated in painstaking detail by South African miniaturist Beth Freeman-Kane inspired by the rich wildlife of the Hudson Valley region of New York. Each object is created based upon the artist’s passion for creatures and their environment and sure to delight anyone who shares a love of nature, conservation and living things.

________________________________________

PERIOD 3D DUTCH ARCHITECTURE

by Gerard Klein Hofmeijer

$4500

*

Thrill the Art Enthusiast

with a 3D facade replica

of the house depicted in "The Little Street"

by Johannes Vermeer

*

Deliver this fine art “The Little Street” painted in 1657. "Delft" was created by Dutch native Gerard Klein Hofmeijer who replicates historic buildings in miniature using brass etching while painting and sizing each brick individually for consummate accuracy and attention to detail (including winding cracks in the mortar!). The piece is custom-framed using museum glass and measures approximately 9" H x 7" W x 3" D. Gerard Klein Hofmeijer is a Dutch craftsman and classically trained scientist who has admired, loved and constructed miniatures since childhood. He works in a variety of scales between 1:50 and 1:100 to replicate historic buildings, houses, garden vignettes and 3D facades. His work offers a glimpse into the classic Dutch architectural style of the past and Dutch influence on contemporary design.

________________________________________

1/12 SCALE HARPSICHORD

by Dawn Dahn

$575

*

Please the Music Lover

with this vintage miniature harpsichord.

*

Present this intricately hand-crafted (non-playing) vintage miniature harpsichord (c.1770) created by artisan Dawn Dahn in 1997. It includes ivory-like keys, real brass fittings/foot pedals and opens with hinged folds to reveal a detailed system of piano strings. This spectacular miniature will provide beautiful sounds of joy (from its owner!) for years to come.

_______________________________________

SQUINTBOX™

MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION

Subscription Box Service

$30

*

Surprise the Crafter with a box filled with

hand-crafted minis every month!

*

Surprise the Crafter: Set up a SquintBox monthly subscription for the hobbyist in your life! SquintBox delivers a curated assortment of up to six hand-crafted miniatures each month in popular categories like food, flowers, books and accessories. This service can be set up to deliver multiple months as well (3 or 6) for extra savings. Shipping is free! All items featured in this D. Thomas Fine Miniatures Gift Guide may be purchased online, in our Facebook Shop or in-store, except for SquintBox which can be ordered online at www.mysquintbox.com.

______________________________

Seasons Greetings from

D. Thomas Fine Miniatures!

______________________________________________________

ABOUT D. THOMAS FINE MINIATURES

D. Thomas Fine Miniatures is a retail and gallery destination featuring top quality collectibles including 1/12th scale structure, furniture and accessories. The concept, designed to appeal to collectors, crafters and enthusiasts was created, in part, to raise awareness of miniatures as a decorative art form and to introduce the discipline not only to a new generation but to those who may just be discovering it! The gallery space showcases work in miniature by well-known artists from all over the world.