Annual Small Wonders exhibit celebrates regional artists at the Heartland Art Center

The Heartland Art Center celebrated the closing reception of the annual Small Wonders exhibit on Friday, May 30th, with over 90 attendees enjoying the festivities. The month-long exhibit featured more than 160 original artworks from over 60 talented artists across the northern Indiana region. Each piece measured under 12 x 12 inches and showcased a diverse array of artistic mediums, including clay, mixed media, soft pastels, watercolor, papier-mâché, lampworked glass, stained glass, wood, ink, photography, fiber, metal, digital art, book art, and more.

This year’s award winners highlighted the exhibit’s outstanding artistic talent:

• Best of Show: Kristyn Kertai
• 1st Place: Jeanne Peckiconis
• 2nd Place: Marge Burkholder
• 3D/Mixed Media: Lynn Kasznia and Pat Pregel
• Honorable Mentions: Brenda Stichter and Jayne Jacobson
• Creativity Awards: Ben Ollen and Jon Miller
• Popular Choice: Michelle Gonzalez

The evening was enriched by delicious food and drink, along with exceptional piano music by area pianist Sherry Klinedinst. Heartland Art Center extends deep gratitude to the dedicated Small Wonders Committee and sponsors Russell Kietzman, Bowen Printing, and A Friend of Heartland, whose generous support continues to make such events possible.

“We were especially excited to welcome back artists who have been part of this beloved exhibit for many years, as well as new artists whose fresh perspectives continue to enhance and grow Small Wonders,” stated Anna Kietzman, President of Heartland Art Center.

Heartland is preparing an exciting lineup of upcoming exhibits and events, including Featured Artists Cara Lawson-Ball and Daniel Slattery in June and Kimberly and Mark Vander Vinne in July. Additionally, the community can look forward to the annual Paint-your-Pet event on July 1st, which supports Heartland’s building renovation project and the local Humane Society. The annual Paint-your-Tractor event in collaboration with CASA at the tractor show is scheduled for July 19th, leading up to Heartland’s flagship event—the 11th Annual ARTS in the Street festival on Saturday, July 26th from 10 am to 5 pm.

For more details about events, exhibits, and how to participate or support, visit www.heartlandartgallery.com.

About Heartland Art Center: The Heartland Art Center's mission is to support area artists and to bring and teach the arts to our community. Our not-for-profit organization gives area artists a venue to show and sell their artwork. Activities are made possible, in part, by the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County and the Indiana Arts Commission, which receives support from the State of Indiana and the National Endowment for the Arts. Visit www.heartlandgallery.com and find us on Facebook and Instagram. For more information, contact the gallery at 574-936-9515, located at 214 N. Michigan Street in downtown Plymouth.