The tiny worlds inside the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's Eloise Kruger Gallery of Miniatures tell stories of science, history and culture. After studying with some of the world's leading miniature artisans this summer, two university leaders are bringing new skills and connections back to campus to expand those stories through exhibitions, student learning and community engagement.
Sophia Perdikaris, director of the School of Global Integrative Studies and the Eloise Kruger Gallery of Miniatures, and Linda Kohlstaedt, the gallery's collection specialist, attended the International Guild of Miniature Artisans Guild School in Castine, Maine. Held each summer at Maine Maritime Academy, the internationally recognized weeklong program brings together artisans from around the world for intensive instruction in fine-scale craftsmanship.
Perdikaris and Kohlstaedt each completed two hands-on classes, learning directly from master artisans while creating original works from raw materials. The experience offered more than an opportunity to develop technical skills. It also strengthened the gallery's connections to the international miniature community and provided new ideas for future exhibitions and educational programming.
"The best way to understand miniature art is to experience the discipline, patience and technical skill required to create it yourself," said Perdikaris, Happold Professor of Anthropology. "Professional development opportunities such as IGMA allow us to bring new expertise, new connections and new educational opportunities back to the university and our community."
The training complements the gallery's mission of using miniature art as a tool for research, teaching and public engagement.
In addition to preserving and exhibiting miniature objects, the gallery develops room-box projects and exhibitions that translate scholarly research into immersive visual displays. Faculty, staff and students have created projects exploring topics that range from forensic anthropology and laboratory science to Nebraska history, literature and cultural heritage.
This spring, as part of programming commemorating the nation's 250th anniversary, the gallery featured a miniature archaeological excavation of a Nebraska sod house displayed alongside a standing miniature sod houseSaS loaned by Nebraska miniature artist Marjorie Bailey.
"One of the things that makes the Eloise Kruger Gallery unique is that our miniatures tell stories," Perdikaris said. "The result is not simply beautiful objects, but miniature worlds that convey ideas, histories and human experiences."
The gallery also serves as an experiential learning laboratory for students.
Through exhibition development and room-box projects, students gain experience in research, museum techniques and collections management while learning to communicate complex ideas through visual storytelling.
"Miniatures provide an extraordinary vehicle for interdisciplinary learning," Perdikaris said. "Through exhibits and room-box projects, students develop research skills, gain experience with museum techniques and collections management, and learn how to communicate complex ideas to the public through displays that are engaging, accessible and memorable."
For Kohlstaedt, participating in the Guild School provided new insight into the craftsmanship behind the pieces she catalogs and cares for each day. Creating miniature works from raw materials deepened her appreciation for the precision, planning and artistry represented throughout the gallery's collection.
Perdikaris said participating in the Guild School also reinforces the gallery's commitment to remaining an active part of the international miniature community.
"The Eloise Kruger Gallery has long been one of Nebraska's best-kept secrets and one of UNL's hidden treasures," Perdikaris said. "Our goal is to ensure that the gallery is not simply a collection of extraordinary objects, but an active participant in the international miniature community."
Visitors will have an opportunity to see the projects Perdikaris and Kohlstaedt created during the Guild School at the gallery's inaugural Fall Miniature Art Show later in the fall semester.
The exhibition also will feature original 1:12-scale miniature works created by members of the university and the public. Submitted works will be displayed Nov. 6 through Dec. 4. Entries must be received by 4 p.m. Oct. 9.
"Our inaugural Fall Miniature Art Show celebrates the artistry of miniature making while inviting our community to become part of the gallery's story," Perdikaris said.
More information about the exhibition and submission guidelines is available on the Eloise Kruger Gallery of Miniatures Facebook page or by contacting Kohlstaedt at lkohlstaedt2@nebraska.edu.
