Sophia Perdikaris, director of the School of Global Integrative Studies and the Eloise Kruger Gallery of Miniatures, and Linda Kohlstaedt, Collection Specialist for the gallery, attended the International Guild of Miniature Artisans (IGMA) Guild School in Castine, Maine, an internationally recognized weeklong program dedicated to the art and craft of creating fine-scale miniatures.
Held each summer at Maine Maritime Academy, the Guild School brings together artisans from around the world to study specialized techniques in wood, metal, polymer clay, textiles, glass, paper arts and other media.
As the gallery continues to expand educational programming, interpretive opportunities and public visibility, experiences like the Guild School help ensure that those caring for the collection remain active participants in the living traditions of miniature making and connected to the broader community of contemporary artisans.
The gallery's educational mission extends beyond preserving and exhibiting miniature objects. Through room-box projects and exhibits developed by faculty, staff and students, miniatures become a medium for research, storytelling and public engagement, translating scholarly inquiry into immersive visual displays.
Recent projects have explored topics ranging from forensic anthropology and laboratory science to Nebraska history, literature and cultural heritage, including displays inspired by the work of author Amy Tan. This spring, as part of the commemoration of the nation's 250th anniversary, the gallery featured a miniature archaeological excavation of a Nebraska sod house displayed alongside a standing miniature sod house generously loaned by Nebraska miniature artist Marjorie Bailey.
"One of the things that makes the Eloise Kruger Gallery unique is that our miniatures tell stories," Perdikaris, Happold Professor of Anthropology, said. "The result is not simply beautiful objects, but miniature worlds that convey ideas, histories and human experiences."
Working at the gallery is a valuable experiential learning opportunity for students.
"Miniatures provide an extraordinary vehicle for interdisciplinary learning," Perdikaris said. "Through exhibits and room-box projects, students develop research skills, gain experience with museum techniques and collections management, and learn how to communicate complex ideas to the public through displays that are engaging, accessible and memorable."
The experience also strengthens the gallery's connections to the international miniature community. The IGMA Guild School emphasizes developing technical skills through small classes taught by master artisans and is widely regarded as one of the premier educational opportunities in the field.
Perdikaris and Kohlstaedt each completed two intensive hands-on classes, learning directly from internationally recognized miniature artisans while creating original works from raw materials. While the finished pieces demonstrate remarkable craftsmanship, the experience extends well beyond creating display-worthy objects.
"The Eloise Kruger Gallery has long been one of Nebraska's best-kept secrets and one of UNL's hidden treasures," Perdikaris said. "Our goal is to ensure that the gallery is not simply a collection of extraordinary objects, but an active participant in the international miniature community.
"By learning directly from master artisans and engaging with contemporary makers, we deepen our understanding of the craftsmanship represented in our collection while creating new opportunities for our students, faculty and the broader community to connect with this remarkable art form."
Perdikaris noted that the experience reinforced the importance of hands-on learning in understanding and interpreting miniature art.
"The best way to understand miniature art is to experience the discipline, patience and technical skill required to create it yourself," she said. "Professional development opportunities such as IGMA allow us to bring new expertise, new connections and new educational opportunities back to the university and our community."
For Kohlstaedt, working alongside experienced miniature artisans provided valuable insight into the craftsmanship behind the objects she catalogs and cares for each day. Building every component from raw materials gave her a deeper appreciation for the precision, planning and artistry required to create each piece.
As the gallery continues to expand its programming and outreach, participation in the Guild School represents an important step in strengthening relationships with artists and organizations around the world.
"We are committed to expanding the gallery's visibility, building relationships with artisans internationally, and inviting students, faculty and the public to participate in the living traditions of miniature making," Perdikaris said.
Visitors to the Eloise Kruger Gallery of Miniatures will have the opportunity to view the projects created during the Guild School at the upcoming Miniature Art Show during the fall semester and learn more about the techniques used to produce them, highlighting the craftsmanship and creativity that continue to shape the world of miniature art today.
The UNL community and the public are also invited to participate in the upcoming exhibition by submitting custom 1:12-scale miniature works for inclusion in a special exhibition at the Eloise Kruger Gallery of Miniatures. Items submitted will be on display from Nov. 6 through Dec. 4, 2026. All submissions must be received by 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9.
"Our inaugural Fall Miniature Art Show celebrates the artistry of miniature making while inviting our community to become part of the gallery's story," Perdikaris said.
For more details about the exhibition and submission guidelines, visit the Eloise Kruger Gallery of Miniatures Facebook page or contact Linda Kohlstaedt at lkohlstaedt2@nebraska.edu.
