Columbia's 'Tiny Things' Exhibition Showcases Creativity in Small Packages

The annual art show challenges artists to create 8-inch-by-8-inch pieces with big impact.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:18pm

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The Columbia Art League's sixth annual 'Tiny Things' art exhibit is underway until April 11. The exhibit challenges artists to create an 8-inch-by-8-inch art piece that evokes a strong message and theme. 170 individual pieces were chosen for the display by an unbiased juror, with the league asking the question: 'Does size impact the creation, vision and enjoyment of art?'

Why it matters

The 'Tiny Things' exhibition aims to make art more accessible to a wider audience by pricing the pieces at $300 or less. This allows artists to showcase their work and gain exposure, while also providing an opportunity for more people to purchase original artwork.

The details

The exhibition features a diverse array of mediums, including traditional paintings, embroidery, ceramics, wooden sculptures, and even a piece using pennies. Many of the pieces this year revolve around themes of nostalgia and growth, creating a 'homey feel' to the artwork. The different frames used also showcase the individuality of the artists, making each piece distinctive.

  • The 'Tiny Things' exhibition is underway until April 11, 2026.
  • The exhibition is the Columbia Art League's sixth annual 'Tiny Things' show.

The players

Columbia Art League

A local art organization that hosts the annual 'Tiny Things' exhibition, challenging artists to create 8-inch-by-8-inch art pieces.

Grace Bailey

The operations manager for the Columbia Art League, who is drawn to the 'Tiny Things' exhibition due to the accessible pricing of the artwork.

Mark Baltzer

An artist whose piece 'The Vibrancy of Transition,' made with cardstock, is featured in the 'Tiny Things' exhibition.

Beverly Borduin

An artist whose piece 'Garden Time,' made with recycled materials, is featured in the 'Tiny Things' exhibition.

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What they’re saying

“It invites people to maybe take more time to look at a piece of artwork.”

— Grace Bailey, Operations Manager, Columbia Art League

“There's something for everybody on, like, a tenfold scale.”

— Grace Bailey, Operations Manager, Columbia Art League

What’s next

The 'Tiny Things' exhibition will be on display at the Columbia Art League until April 11, 2026, providing an opportunity for the community to view and purchase the unique artwork.

The takeaway

The 'Tiny Things' exhibition showcases the creativity and talent of local artists, proving that size does not limit the impact and vision of art. By making the artwork accessible through affordable pricing, the exhibition aims to engage a wider audience and promote the appreciation of diverse artistic expressions.