FAIRFIELD, Conn., Oct. 15, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Working from the submissions of more than 800 artists, The Greenwich Workshop has selected 230 original paintings for inclusion in its first annual SmallWorks(tm) North America Exhibition and Competition, the first and only annual juried exhibition of original miniatures on the East Coast. SmallWorks(tm) is sponsored by The Greenwich Workshop(r), Inc., North America's leading publisher of Fine Art Limited Editions, in conjunction with The Greenwich Workshop Gallery. The exhibition and sale will be held November 24 to December 31 at The Greenwich Workshop Gallery, 1657 Post Road in Fairfield, CT, and can also be previewed online at www.smallworksna.com. Artists submitting work to SmallWorks include such established forces as Christopher Blossom, Don Demers, Paul Landry, Steve Hanks, Don Crowley, Joseph Lorusso, Mian Situ and Ken Auster.
The gallery will kick off the exhibition and sale with an artists' reception on Saturday, November 24, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. All original paintings are for sale. Interested buyers may preview the collection online at www.smallworksna.com or in person at the opening reception, and submit names either over the phone or in person for pieces they would like to purchase. Due to overwhelming demand, The Greenwich Workshop Gallery is holding the sale in a draw-box lottery format. Winners and alternates will be chosen on November 24 during the reception. If the winner is unable to attend opening night, the gallery will contact them the next business day. If the winner ultimately passes on the purchase, the alternate will be contacted.
SmallWorks are defined as artwork with a maximum image area of 144 square inches (wall art only), slightly more space and dimension than the traditional miniature format, yet still offering the collector or first-time buyer a point of easy and unique access to the finest art from the finest artists. "The reaction to SmallWorks has been enormously gratifying," said gallery director Chris Usher. "We saw a need for a show of this caliber, and the artist community has confirmed that need. The miniature presents a challenge for many artists and can be one of the most gratifying, if sometimes difficult, formats. For collectors, meanwhile, the miniature can offer both an appropriate way to enter collecting or to expand existing collections, and we anticipate that collectors' reaction to this selection of work will be very positive."
The artists' awards and prizes will be determined prior to the opening of SmallWorks North America and posted online by Thanksgiving Day, November 22. Award winning artworks will be chosen through a combination of online voting by collectors and the recommendations of a panel of experienced judges. The Gallery Director's Award and Publisher's Award are merit awards determined by Chris Usher and Greenwich Workshop Publisher, Scott Usher. Collectors will be asked to provide their top five selections from the show via the Internet between September 24 and November 20. The top 40 artists selected through that process will be invited to participate in The Greenwich Workshop's Spring 2008 SmallWorks Fine Art Limited Edition Catalogue.
About The Greenwich Workshop Gallery (www.greenwichworkshopgallery.com)
Established in 1975, The Greenwich Workshop Gallery serves collectors and art enthusiasts across the United States and around the world. The collection represents over 50 artists and includes original art, limited edition fine art prints, porcelain sculpture, art books and other art-based gifts. The Greenwich Workshop Gallery is located at 1657 Post Road, Fairfield, CT. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., open late Thursday & Saturday until 7:30 p.m. Contact info: (203) 255-4613 or Fairfield@greenwichworkshopgallery.com.
About The Greenwich Workshop(r), Inc.
The Greenwich Workshop, Inc. is a leading publisher of limited edition fine art prints and canvases, three dimensional art and visual books. Headquartered in Seymour, CT, The Greenwich Workshop, through its authorized network of more than 1,200 art and framing retailers in North America, represents more than 50 leading artists, including renowned artists such as Howard Terpning(r), Morgan Weistling and Bev Doolittle(r). Established in 1972 by the late David Usher, the company's mission is to enhance the quality of people's lives through high quality, affordable art. Visit www.greenwichworkshop.com/media for more information, including downloadable images and photos of its artists.