The Miniature Painters, Sculptors & Gravers Society of Washington, DC, (MPSGS) was founded in 1931 by Alyn Williams (1865-1941), a well-known portrait miniaturist. The MPSGS is the oldest Miniature Art Society in the U.S. It is the second oldest in the world next to the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers in London, England--the world's first Miniature Art Society also founded by Mr. Williams. The Inaugural Exhibition of the MPSGS of Washington, DC, was held at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in December 1931. The Society has held annual exhibitions since 1931 with the exception of the years 1932 and 1936.

MEMBERSHIP

     Membership in the Society is by invitation, and eligible artists are elected by Members. An artist is eligible to be considered for membership after exhibiting in three MPSGS exhibitions or winning an award.

OBJECTIVE

     The object of the Society from its inception has been to stimulate public interest in miniature art, as well as encourage artists to create miniature art. We do this by hosting and exhibiting works in our juried international annual show and apart from larger art works. We annually award financial assistance to outstanding emerging artists in the Washington, D.C., area schools. The Society also sponsors educational tours, demonstrations, and workshops relating to miniature art techniques.

THE SPIRIT OF A MINIATURE

     This unique art form, based on a minute scale, traces its roots back to the book paintings and illuminated manuscripts set in the 7th century. A work of fine art in miniature is a particularly personal object that draws the viewer into an intimate, concentrated little world that is breathtaking in its execution. Every single detail is miniaturized -- the scale of the subject matter, the brush or pencil strokes -- so that only with high magnification can one behold the immaculate details of the artist's technique which may include stippling, hatching, or pointillism. These techniques are a specialized means of producing a perfect balance of color and detail in a series of thinly applied layers of exquisite color intended to reflect light. The miniatures show a high standard of design and the artist's mastery of the chosen media and palette.

OFFICERS

President - Nancy Still, miniartsupply@gmail.com, 301-538-3103
Secretary - Linda Trope, lindatrope@comcast.net, 443-992-5277
Treasurer - Laura Stein, mpsgsfees@gmail.com, 443-520-4109
Historian - Lynne Rychlec, LRychlec@gmail.com, 301-760-0591
Publicity - Vacant