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Tiny Art Show in Provo Seeks Community Support After Unexpected Displacement

PROVO, Utah – The “Tiny Art Show,” a beloved downtown Provo art exhibit, is calling on the community for assistance after being unexpectedly forced to leave its gallery space. Curated by artist McKay Lenker Bayer, the show boasts an notable Instagram following of over 50,000, but now finds itself without a permanent home.

A Lifelong Passion for Art

Lenker bayer’s passion for art ignited early in life. “My playground growing up — my mom painted all the walls, and did like a beanstalk in one corner with a castle,” she recalls, highlighting the formative influence of her childhood environment. This early immersion in a creative space fostered a lasting connection to the arts.

Despite considering herself “kind of shy and introverted,” Lenker Bayer found solace and inspiration in the art room. “But in the art room, time went by really fast, I liked working on projects and I liked all my art teachers,” she said, emphasizing the positive impact of her educational experiences.

Finding Inspiration in the Miniature

Initially hesitant about her artistic capabilities, Lenker Bayer considered a career as an art teacher. “I don’t have that natural talent,” she thought, “I still want to be creative, so I’ll just do it as an art teacher.” However, in 2016, a pivotal realization shifted her viewpoint: she didn’t need grand-scale materials to express her artistic vision.

This revelation led to the creation of the Tiny Art Show, an innovative concept that celebrates the charm and wonder of miniature art. “When you see something tiny — especially if it’s functional — it’s kind of bending that line between reality and this magical tiny world,” Lenker Bayer explains.

From Pop-Ups to a Permanent Space and Back again

What began as a project at Brigham Young University (BYU) evolved into a fully realized art exhibition. “I’ll be the curator and I’ll host like a different artist each show,” said Lenker Bayer, outlining the collaborative nature of the project. Each show highlights a new local artist, offering visitors the possibility to purchase their own miniature art pieces, complete with tiny certificates of authenticity.

For years, Lenker Bayer organized pop-up shows across the country, from Los Angeles to Orlando. During these events,she meticulously prepared miniature food items served on hand-pressed paper plates,crafting approximately “150 of these for each opening.” All of this contributed to the unique experience of the Tiny Art Show.

In November 2024, Lenker Bayer achieved a long-held dream by establishing a permanent gallery space in downtown Provo. “One of my dreams with Tiny Art Show was to have a permanent gallery space,” she said, noting how exhausting the road trips had become. However, just months later, this dream was shattered when the gallery owner forced her to vacate the premises, leading to notable emotional distress.

“This has been so stressful, this has been really sad,” Lenker Bayer confessed, admitting, “Maybe I should just stop.”

A New Hope in an Unexpected Location

Despite the setback, Lenker bayer remains resilient and optimistic. She has secured a new location for the Tiny Art Show—an unconventional space within a closed stairwell. “Yes, it is indeed actually,” Lenker Bayer confirmed with a chuckle, indicating that this unexpected location aligns with her artistic vision.

community Support Needed

To facilitate renovations and ensure the future of the Tiny Art Show, lenker Bayer has launched a fundraiser. She hopes the community will support her passion project, transforming it into “like a tiny landmark for downtown Provo.” With community backing, Lenker Bayer aims to resume hosting new shows as early as next month.

Call to Action

The Tiny Art Show represents a unique and valuable contribution to Provo’s cultural landscape. Now, more than ever, it needs the support of the community to overcome recent challenges and continue inspiring audiences with its miniature marvels.Consider donating to the fundraiser and help make the Tiny Art Show a permanent fixture in downtown Provo.Your support can ensure that this “tiny landmark” continues to spark joy and creativity for years to come.

What is McKay Lenker Bayer’s favorite tiny thing and what impact did it have on their life?

Tiny Art Show’s McKay Lenker Bayer Seeks Community Support for Provo Gallery

Archyde News recently spoke with McKay Lenker Bayer, the artist and curator behind the beloved Tiny Art Show in Provo, Utah. After an unexpected displacement, Lenker Bayer is reaching out to the community for help. Our Arts and Culture Correspondent, David Chen, conducted the interview.

The Heart of the Tiny Art Show

David Chen: McKay, thanks for taking the time to speak with Archyde News. The Tiny Art show has captured the hearts of so many, boasting a strong following online. Can you tell us what sparked your initial fascination with miniature art?

McKay lenker Bayer: Absolutely, David. My passion for art really started in childhood. My mom created such a creatively vibrant home. The idea for the Tiny Art Show came later, though. I realized that meaningful art didn’t have to be big; it could be small, impactful, even functional. That’s when it started bending the line between reality and that magical tiny world, and it was a perfect fit.

Unexpected Setback for the Provo gallery

David Chen: The Tiny Art Show whent from pop-ups around the contry to a permanent gallery space in downtown Provo, a dream come true. What happened?

McKay Lenker Bayer: It really was a dream. We had put so much love and effort into building this tiny landmark. Than, quite suddenly and distressfully, the gallery owner forced us to vacate. It’s been incredibly stressful and disheartening, and for a moment I considered stopping all together.

A Tiny New Beginning

David Chen: But you didn’t stop. We understand you’ve found a new location – a closed stairwell, of all places! How did that come about?

McKay Lenker Bayer: (Laughs) Yes, it is indeed indeed a closed stairwell! Honestly, I think it fits the quirky, unconventional nature of the Tiny Art Show. It’s unexpected, but it feels right. It feels like a chance to rebuild and maybe even create more unique art. It just needs some work!

Community Support is Key

David Chen: That leads perfectly into my next question. You’ve launched a Kickstarter campaign to renovate the space. What message do you have for the Provo community and beyond?

McKay Lenker Bayer: I’m asking for them to believe in the Tiny Art Show and its mission to make people happy. I hope the community sees our exhibit as a unique, valuable addition to Provo’s cultural landscape and will donate to help make the Tiny Art Show a permanent fixture in downtown Provo. With their support, we can transform this stairwell into a stunning art exhibit and tiny landmark. This financial support from the community is deeply appreciated.

The Future of tiny Art

David Chen: Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the Tiny Art Show if you secure the necessary funding?

McKay lenker Bayer: We want to resume hosting shows next month if possible! First, we’ll work on the renovations using funds raised from the new Kickstarter campaign. I envision a thriving, engaging space where local artists can showcase their miniature masterpieces. To bring joy to Provo’s community by creating a tiny land mark showing stunning art.

A Question for Our Readers

David Chen: McKay, thank you so much for sharing your story and your vision. It’s truly inspiring. As a final thought, what is your favorite tiny thing and what is the impact it had on your life?

mckay lenker Bayer: Thank you, david. It’s been my pleasure.