Create your own tiny masterpiece for Matthews Public Library’s first ever Tiny Art Show! This free program is open to all ages and skill levels; drop in anytime during one of the two listed studio sessions to create a tiny artwork to exhibit in the Tiny Art Show. If you would like more than two hours to complete your masterpiece, please plan to attend both the afternoon and evening studio sessions. Call the library to sign up.

Studio sessions:

Wednesday, December 27, 2023 | 1 PM – 3 PM

Wednesday, December 27, 2023 | 6 PM – 8 PM

  • Create your original tiny art masterpiece at the library.
  • The library will supply: media (acrylic, watercolor, collage, Mod Podge), scissors, paint brushes, and 4 inch x 4 inch canvas or 4 inch x 4 inch watercolor paper.
  • Explore any (family-friendly) theme or subject.
  • The Tiny Art Show will be exhibited at the library during the month of January; artists may pick up their art in February.
  • If you prefer to bring your own medium, such as acrylic, oil, watercolor or collage materials, you may, but don’t feel obligated to do so.
  • The library reserves the right to exclude any works.
  • Artists have ten business days following notification of pick up to retrieve their art; after which any art that has not been picked up will be discarded.

Elements of Art | Courtesy of the J. Paul Getty Museum, this is a short tutorial about the components used to create a work of art; includes printable pdf handouts, worksheets, and visuals.

Elements of Art YouTube Playlist | Courtesy of KQED Art School, this series of brief videos educates viewers on each building block used to create a work of art.

Principles of Design | Courtesy of the J. Paul Getty Museum, this short tutorial is about the ways artists use the elements of art in a work of art, otherwise known as formal analysis.

Art Vocabulary | Courtesy of the J. Paul Getty Museum, this handout defines the vocabulary used to talk about works of art.

Painting Composition Tips for Beginners | Courtesy of the Artists Network, this article provides tips and techniques for the novice composing a work of art and includes mini demos.

Color Basics Theory YouTube Video | Learn the basics of color theory, including how to choose colors and color palettes and harmonies.

How To Mix Colors YouTube Video | Learn the basics of mixing paint colors in this short video.

Here are some museums you can visit in person or virtually to view artworks.

Local museums to visit in person:

Suzanne H. Arnold Art Gallery at Lebanon Valley College

Susquehanna Art Museum (located in downtown Harrisburg)

Demuth Art Museum & Lancaster Museum of Art (both located in downtown Lancaster, PA)

Freedman Gallery at Albright College (located in Reading, PA; admission is free.)

Reading Public Museum

These museums have digitized some or all of their collections for visitors to view virtually:

Philadelphia Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art | The Met

The Museum of Modern Art | MoMA

The J. Paul Getty Museum | Getty