The Tiny Art Show Turns Small Spaces into Big Creativity
Sometimes we stumble across something so delightfully unique and clever that we find ourselves thinking, why didn’t we think of this? That’s exactly how we felt when we discovered The Tiny Art Show—a miniature gallery with a giant personality. If it’s not the smallest art gallery in the country, it’s certainly giving the title a run for its money.
(Photo by McKay Lenker Bayer, The Tiny Gallery)
Nestled in Provo, Utah, the Tiny Art Show occupies an unassuming space at the bottom of a building, wedged between a café and an ice cream shop. Inside, however, you’ll find a world of creativity condensed into bite-sized exhibitions.
According to their website:
“Tiny Art Show is a community art project that installs miniature exhibitions in unique spaces since 2018. Based in Provo, Utah, this project showcases new artists in each tiny exhibit. Original work is for sale, and opening receptions are held for each new show, complete with tiny refreshments.”
The brainchild of McKay Lenker Bayer, the Tiny Art Show began with humble origins. While still in college in 2016, Lenker Bayer was tasked with exhibiting her work for a class project. Feeling insecure about her art, she decided to showcase her miniature paintings just a few centimeters off the ground, accompanied by equally tiny labels. That small experiment sparked a big idea—and the Tiny Art Show was born.
Photo by McKay Lenker Bayer, the stairwell before The Tiny Gallery was installed
Photo by Hailey K Photos, tiny art show no. 27 by Haley Costomiris
Photo by McKay Lenker Bayer, constructing The Tiny Gallery in May 2025
Photo by McKay Lenker Bayer, constructing The Tiny Gallery in May 2025
Photo by Hailey K Photos, tiny art show no. 27 by Haley Costomiris
Each month, the gallery features a new local artist and their miniature masterpieces. From tiny oil paintings to delicate sculptures, everything on display is available for purchase. And just like the art itself, the gallery’s opening receptions are charmingly small, complete with tiny refreshments that perfectly complement the miniature aesthetic.
In addition to their carefully curated exhibitions inside the gallery, the Tiny Art Show gets creative online as well. In a recent social media post, they mentioned that their “mini newspaper box” had been stolen and politely asked for its return. The gallery’s dedicated followers quickly chimed in, leaving concerned comments and pleading for the newspaper box to be returned. Rather than letting the mishap dampen spirits, the Tiny Art Show turned it into another playful installation, creating a tiny crime scene where the missing box had been. It’s a clever way to continue their mission while making art out of an unfortunate event.
The Tiny Art Show is a reminder that creativity doesn’t need to be monumental to be impactful. Sometimes, the smallest ideas leave the biggest impression. We sat down with Gallery Director & Creator, McKay Lenker Bayer, to ask a few questions:
Photo taken by McKay Lenker Bayer, miniature paintings by various artists. This was part of an installation for the Love Letters museum in SLC in 2019
Photo taken by Abigail Keenan Field, miniature pottery by Betsy Croft. This is tiny art show no. 5 in January 2019
Photo by McKay Lenker Bayer, child looking at art by Nicole Parish in The Tiny Gallery
A Conversation with Tiny Art Show Founder McKay Lenker Bayer
The Art Districts (TAD): What made you decide to go “tiny” instead of traditional?
McKay Lenker Bayer (MLB): I think it stems from my childhood. My mom is a very creative and artistic person. As a kid I loved fairies, and we would make fairy houses outside in the garden. I remember leaving acorn caps with sugar water on a mini table in the fairy house, and the next day I found a teeny tiny thank-you note from the fairies—whose handwriting looked a lot like my mom’s, but I didn’t connect the dots until years later—on a crinkly brown paper.
I loved miniature things as a child and continued to love them in art school. I created tiny paintings and sculptures for class assignments whenever possible.
(Photo by McKay Lenker Bayer, constructing The Tiny Gallery in May 2025)
TAD: Can you tell us how the Tiny Art Show started and how it grew into a physical Tiny Art Gallery?
MLB: In 2016 I was in an “Art and Business” class where we had to exhibit our work somewhere public. I didn’t feel confident about my art, but I had some tiny paintings and thought it would be clever to display them an inch off the ground with tiny labels and a magnifying glass. Watching people crouch or lie down to see them was magical, and I got an A on the assignment.
After finishing my BA in Art Education, I became a high school art teacher but kept thinking about that project. In 2018 I officially launched Tiny Art Show, curating miniature exhibitions each month with original work by local artists. The shows popped up in unexpected places—like a bookstore closet, a thrift-store dressing room, and under a stairwell in the library—often with tiny treats at the opening.
When COVID hit, I paused the shows. After my baby was born in 2022, I wasn’t sure if I’d return, but I dreamed of creating a permanent miniature gallery. That chance came when a friend let me use a closet in her gallery, but we quickly outgrew the space. That led to an even bigger idea: transforming an unused downtown alleyway stairwell into a tiny storefront gallery.
I pitched the concept to the property owner, who agreed, and launched a Kickstarter to fund it. My friend and fellow artist John Connors built the facade and gallery from my designs, including laying a miniature hardwood floor piece by piece. With help from my husband, we installed it downtown, complete with a brick facade. Now the gallery hosts monthly shows and will soon include a tiny gift shop on its second “story.”
TAD: What did you imagine the Tiny Art Show would become when you first started, and how has it surprised you since? Why do you think people are so drawn to miniature art?
MLB: I think people are drawn to miniature art because it feels intimate. People also love miniatures in general, because they remind us of childhood, secret realms, magical worlds, and wonder we often forget as adults.
TAD: How do you select the artists who are featured each month?
MLB: I select artists I’m excited about and want to work with. I try to show a variety of work and media in The Tiny Gallery. So far we’ve had mixed media (painted paper collage and weavings), oil paintings, an immersive installation, and tiny sculptures inside fish tins.
TAD: What are some of the most memorable or surprising pieces that have been exhibited? Is it challenging finding artists who create tiny works?
MLB: I started out by asking established local artists to create tiny work. Many said yes because they’d never tried it before. That’s a great thing about the Tiny Art Show—it allows people to own original art by artists they love and might not normally afford. Now that I’ve been doing this for years, I’ve found so many talented artists already working small-scale. I’m excited to showcase their work as well.
(Photo by McKay Lenker Bayer, artwork by McKay Lenker Bayer)
TAD: Do artists need to adjust their style to fit the miniature format, or do they adapt naturally?
MLB: Often artists who usually work larger adapt well and create really lovely tiny art. But they also find it takes much more time than expected. The size is small, but the time, energy, and detail are not.
TAD: How do opening receptions work in such a small space? What’s the atmosphere like?
MLB: The openings often have a line of people waiting, since only one or two can view the show at a time. People usually come to purchase a tiny artwork or enjoy the tiny refreshments—sometimes served on mini plates with tiny forks. While waiting, visitors can shop from our tiny merch cart. The atmosphere is fun and diverse—fellow artists, collectors, kids with parents, college students. I love seeing the artist interact with guests. I always leave feeling such a swell of love for my community.
TAD: What role has the Provo community played in supporting the gallery?
MLB: Tiny Art Show is my love letter to Provo. It’s quirky, but the art and music scene is thriving. I found my community here—small businesses, artists, markets, events. So many people supported Tiny Art Show, even when I was inexperienced. Our next show is by Brian Kershisnik, one of the most beloved painters in Utah. For him to make time for a show of miniature drawings and paintings means so much to me.
Photo by McKay Lenker Bayer, a tiny certificate of authenticity comes with each artwork sold
Photo by McKay Lenker Bayer, tiny merch
Photo by Hailey K Photos, tiny art show no. 27 by Haley Costomiris
Photo by Hailey K Photos, tiny art show no. 27 by Haley Costomiris
Photo by Hailey K Photos, tiny art show no. 27 by Haley Costomiris
TAD: How have visitors reacted the first time they see the space?
MLB: Either they love it or they’re confused! The Tiny Gallery is between two restaurants, so it’s easy to walk right past if you aren’t looking. Children usually spot it first, and then it’s up to their parents whether to stop and explore.
TAD: Do you find your following is mostly local, or do people travel specifically to see it?
MLB: Our following is mostly local in terms of visitors. I get excited whenever someone tells me they traveled to see it, even if they’re just from Salt Lake City. Online, our biggest audiences are in Utah, New York City, and LA.
TAD: Your “mini newspaper box” theft post and crime scene response went viral. How did that come about?
MLB: I can’t take the credit! When I posted about the stolen newspaper box, there was such an outpouring of support. A few people suggested I make a crime scene, so I did.
TAD: Do you see social media as an extension of your exhibitions?
MLB: Yes. Social media is weird and conflicting, but it’s amazing that our reach as artists is so much bigger now. I love being inspired and inspiring others. When I post something, I know not only my neighborhood will see it, but also people all over the world.
TAD: Would you consider expanding to other cities, or would that go against the charm of being “tiny”?
MLB: I don’t have the time or resources now, but maybe a traveling show or pop-ups in the future.
TAD: Do you see the project as more of a gallery, a community project, or conceptual artwork?
MLB: I see it as both conceptual and community. As an artist, I love the obsessive, immersive nature of it—even though it’s not lucrative or sensible. It’s hours of tedious work for the outcome of tiny framed art, miniature text, and small plates of food. That’s amazing to me, because we see fewer projects like this today. Everything is expensive and hard. If I can bring joy and whimsy to the world, that’s my concept. It’s about curiosity—like discovering a miniature booklet inside the gallery or noticing a mini newspaper box with its own newspaper.
TAD: What has running the Tiny Art Show taught you about art, community, or yourself?
MLB: It has taught me the importance of being an obsessive freak! Honestly, it’s taught me to take myself seriously and advocate for my ideas, no matter how weird or trivial they seem. The art is miniature, the gallery is tiny, but the meaning behind it—and the impact of fun and wonder—are very big.
(Photo by McKay Lenker Bayer, art by Nicole Parish)
TAD: Can you tell us what’s in store for your next show?
MLB: Our next show is by Brian Kershisnik, one of the most beloved painters in Utah. For him to make time for a show of miniature drawings and paintings means so much to me.
TAD: How do opening receptions work in such a small space? What’s the atmosphere like?
MLB: The openings often have a line of people waiting, since only one or two can view the show at a time. People usually come to purchase a tiny artwork or enjoy the tiny refreshments—sometimes served on mini plates with tiny forks. While waiting, visitors can shop from our tiny merch cart. The atmosphere is fun and diverse—fellow artists, collectors, kids with parents, college students. I love seeing the artist interact with guests. I always leave feeling such a swell of love for my community.
TAD: Where do you see the Tiny Art Show in five years?
MLB: That question keeps me up at night! I don’t know. I’m a mom and may still be growing my family, which would affect some of my plans. But there will definitely be fun and new things ahead.
Closing Thoughts
The Tiny Art Show proves that imagination doesn’t need vast white walls or towering canvases to make an impact. By shrinking the scale, McKay Lenker Bayer has built not just a gallery but a community—one where curiosity, playfulness, and wonder thrive in miniature form. What began as a clever college project has grown into a beloved Provo landmark and a reminder that art can live anywhere, even in the tiniest of spaces.
Whether you’re crouching down to peek inside the gallery, following along on social media, or marveling at their inventive installations, the Tiny Art Show invites all of us to look closer and rediscover the joy of small things.
(Photo by McKay Lenker Bayer, the first tiny art show ever- in 2016. McKay Lenker pictured with her show)
CURRENT SHOW
Brian Kershisnik | Smaller Than Life
On View Through September 27, 2025
Installation images for current show: Brian Kershisnik | Smaller Than Life (Photos by McKay Lenker Bayer)
Visit the Tiny Art Show
📍 Location: 35 N University Ave, Provo, UT 84601
🌐 Website: tinyartshow.com
📱 Instagram: @tinyartshow
✉️ Contact: tinyartshow@gmail.com