Miniature artist to debut lantern scenes Sept. 16
Local miniature artist Ann Cooper will be at the new Ellen Rice Gallery location in Ocean View to debut an exhibit featuring tiny scenes in decorative, lighted lanterns that feature Ellen Rice paintings and many special touches relating to the coastal region from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 16.
"The lanterns are designed to celebrate the beauty of Ellen's art," said Cooper. The lanterns include miniature easel lights or chandeliers to illuminate the artist's work and other touches in the handmade scenes, like fully stocked cabinets with local details, puppies lying on chairs, and miniature bottles containing sand from favorite local beaches.
Cooper, a retired teacher, said, "I am enjoying the opportunity to rekindle my lifelong fascination with dollhouses and miniatures." She will share her inspiration and intricate methods for making her scaled-down creations with those who attend.
"I enjoy creating displays in a 1:12 scale that evoke the happy and peaceful moments of life," she said. She tells the story of each lantern with the details, from hand-painting and antiquing the furniture to adding things like a tiny Beach Boys album, a miniature bottle of sand, a bowl of shells, or a little pet to the scene.
"So much thought and attention to detail has been put into each of Ann's miniature scenes," said Rice. "They're so heartwarming. Each is completely different, and the regional coastal aspects are a wonderful touch that make them conversation pieces and great gift ideas for all kinds of occasions."
Everyone is invited to attend Cooper's exhibit. Light refreshments will be served.
The Ellen Rice gallery, now in its 19th year, features the paintings of well-known Delaware artist Ellen Rice and more than 120 artisans. It has been ranked internationally as One of the 10 Must-See Galleries and Museums in Delaware by The Culture Trip, 2016.
The gallery is at 111 Atlantic Ave., Route 26, Ocean View, 2.2 miles west of Bethany Beach on the north side of the road in Coastal Plaza (with red shutters and butterfly benches). It is diagonally across from Lord Baltimore Elementary School. For more information and live mobile directions, go to ellenrice.gallery or call 302-539-3405.
