LSSU art show features tiny works by students, others
SAULT STE. MARIE — Lake Superior State University is now displaying a very unique art show that includes work from hundreds of students.
For the next few weeks, more than 300 unique pieces will be available for viewing at the LSSU library. The exhibit opened Feb. 22.
Now in its third year, the tiny art show allows LSSU students and community members alike to create a small piece of art that can fit on a 2 inch by 2 inch canvas. The annual event has grown since it began — more than quadrupling in size since its inception — with more than 250 participants.
Artists created pieces depicting landscapes, profiles, abstract art and every other major style within the small frames of the tiny canvas. Artists used watercolor paper, construction paper, canvas, ceramic and many other materials to make their pieces.
The hope for the event is that the limited canvas size will help prevent artists from feeling discouraged by the idea of making an elaborate piece to allow more creativity.
"The nice thing about the two by two, that limitation, is sometimes it's a big, blank piece of paper or a big blank canvas can be intimidating and don't know where to start," librarian Allie VanDoren said. "But a little 2 by 2 canvas, you can come in sit down and there's a certain amount of freedom in the limitation you have working with a small canvas."
The library provided cut down canvas to students who wanted to participate. Artists could submit any type of art they wanted though, on any type of canvas, including 3D art made with paper or ceramic materials.
"There's all sorts of really wonderful little pieces, and it's really interesting to see what people can can fit into a 2 inch by 2 inch space," said VanDoren.
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Pieces came from the Soo Area Arts Council, individual community members, local elementary and middle schools and more. A majority of the submissions came from local students participating for the first time.
"We've had both campus and community participation every year, we encourage everyone we can to participate," said VanDoren.
People will be able to check out the displays during library hours, which can be found at lssu.edu/library.
"We'll have the boards up a few weeks and let families come in and see their kids' art on display," VanDoren said. "It's a great way of bringing in people to see all this fantastic art each year."
— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Sault News: LSSU showacases tiny art pieces at library
