Fine Line hosts 'Small Wonders' exhibit through Oct. 9

"Small Wonders," the current show at Fine Line's Kavanagh Gallery in St. Charles, celebrates small pieces of art.

The idea for the show came from a discussion about the impact a work of art can have and if small art creates as much of an impact on the viewer as larger, more significant pieces of art.

"Small Wonders" brings together 77 artists and 90 pieces of art in a unique collection. The show includes wall art, jewelry and small sculptures. Each piece packs a fantastic visual punch.

One of the more haunting pieces is "Regenerate" by Rachel Jones, an artist from South Carolina. Jones says, "the piece aims not to tell the whole story but to have the viewer immerse themselves in a moment." Her work is inspired by the idea of sonder, which is the realization that each random person you may pass has experiences, thoughts, complexities, lives and loves as essential and impactful as your own and are equally important to others.

Another artist taking the view of looking at a moment is Michigan artist Matthew Johnson. His oil painting, "Wave Crashing," pays homage to the ever-changing environment. Johnson says, "whether it's a wave crashing, clouds sweeping over a windswept plane, or the vibrant variations of light and color at dusk, my paintings seek to grasp a moment of excitement and beauty and turn it into physical memory."

Heather Bannas is an artist from Chicago. Her piece, "Punk Bird," is a vibrant pink ceramic piece with stacks of attitude. Bannas describes the piece as a fat punk bird having a cigarette and judging the world. This quirky piece is a sharp contrast to some of the other pieces in the show.

One of the jewelry pieces in the show is from Homer Glen artist Susan Larsen. The bracelet from her "Tree Bark Series" uses natural pieces, including petrified wood, to create a gorgeous jewelry item.

So, does the show answer the original discussion question? Can small art make as much of an impression on the viewer as larger art pieces? Visit the Kavanagh Gallery and decide for yourself!

The "Small Wonders" show is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Oct. 9. As with all Kavanagh Gallery shows at Fine Line, admission is free.

The Fine Line Creative Arts Center is located 37W570 Bolcum Road in St. Charles. For information, visit www.fineline.org or call (630) 584-9443.