Every year, Manitou Galleries hosts a show offering an abundance of small-scale works unrestricted by medium or subject, ranging from painting and sculpture to jewelry and mixed media. The Annual Small Worksshow, opening December 5, is known for celebrating artistic diversity and the creativity of the gallery’s beloved favorites.
Dyana Hesson, Twilight Delight, Christmas Cholla Superstition Wilderness, oil on canvas, 16 x 12 in.
“At Manitou Galleries, we believe small works carry a unique power,” says general manager Cyndi Hall. “Their intimate scale draws viewers closer, creating a personal connection and allowing the details, skill and emotional resonance to shine. These miniature masterpieces embody the same brilliance and depth as larger works, while offering an accessible and meaningful way to grow or begin a collection.”
Collectors will find unique gems like Dyana Hesson’s 16-by-12-inch painting Twilight Delight, Christmas Cholla Superstition Wilderness,featuring a modern style of Southwestern flora and fauna. “My favorite time of day in the Superstition Wilderness is twilight, especially in the spring, when the day’s last light filters through the sheer petals of colorful cactus blooms,” Hesson shares. “This year, however, was very dry, and the usual harvest of blooms was sadly absent.”
Harper Henry, Boy in Blue, oil, 16 x 12 in.
The artist continues, “After several hours of sunset exploring, I was heading back to my Jeep, fairly disappointed, when I noticed this Christmas cholla in full bloom. Apparently it had waited for this particular day, at this particular time, to open gloriously. I have explored this trail extensively and have probably walked by this unassuming spindly plant a hundred times and never noticed it. But on this day, Christmas came early, delighting my heart and inspiring the work of my hands.”
Figurative work, like Harper Henry’s oil painting Boy in Blue,is also offered at the show. Movement, emotion and contrast are at the heart of Henry’s work. She builds layers of abstraction into traditional Western subjects, allowing color and texture to bring a sense of life and energy to the canvas.
Michael Baum, Evening at the Mission, oil, 11 x 14 in.
“My painting Boy in Blue was inspired by many years of attending and photographing Native American pow wows,” she says. “I love watching the dancers and feel strongly about supporting Indigenous events. I’m especially drawn to the candid moments often found in between dances. In this piece, I combined the realism of portraiture with abstract stylings in the clothing, jewelry and background to evoke movement and emotion.”
Henry donates a portion of the proceeds from each Native-inspired painting to non-profit organizations such as Wings of Hope, Sovereign Bodies Institute and the Native American Children’s Fund.
Nealy Riley, The Canyon, oil on gold leaf, 16 x 16 in.
“Discover the charm, innovation and artistry that make the Annual Small Works show a must-see tradition—where every piece tells a story and holds a place in your heart,” says Hall. The show opens with a reception on December 5, from 5 to 7 p.m., and runs through December 31 at the Santa Fe gallery. —
Manitou Galleries 123 W. Palace Avenue » Santa Fe, NM 87501 » (505) 986-0440 » www.manitougalleries.com
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