Miniature Dollhouse Exhibit is a Giant Experience

The La Petite Galerie at the Marco Island Center for the Arts is showcasing Jeany Dean’s itty bitty world where everything is in miniature size. Jeany is a dollhouse miniaturist and belongs to the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts where almost everything in the “real” world can be created in miniatures.

Jeany has been involved in miniatures for over 40 years - what started as a hobby has turned into a world of creativity. “I enjoy creating and re-creating places and things that I experience in everyday life as well as special places that I have been through travels and other interests,” said Jeany. “The tiny houses, scenes, and room boxes that I create are only as far away as my imagination.”

Jeany started by taking classes on simple things like upholstering a chair and making bridal accessories, plants, and flowers. “My skill has improved over the years along with other miniaturists who have perfected making certain miniatures such as floral arrangements, dolls, animals, pastries and cakes, all types of food (some can even be cut and displayed as open pieces),” Jeany said. “Some of the boxes I have made and some I have purchased, but each creation is a work of art and love.”

“What is wonderful about miniatures is that it can become a little world of its own,” Jeany said. “It can be one’s dream house, ideal vacation destination, or a place of wizardry and fairies.” Her taste in quality has become more acute over the years.

Miniatures can be found in many places, including websites and shows put on by other miniaturists. Jeany’s preference is 1:12, which means that a particular item is 12 times smaller than an item is in 1 inch (life-size). There is also half-scale and even as small as quarter scale and smaller – think a little fairy scene in an empty tube of lipstick!

“Almost every miniaturist that I know has projects lined up and endless items to find their ‘home,” Jeany said. If you want to experience the wonder of seeing teeny tiny delicious-looking cakes in a teeny tiny bakery then don’t miss Jeany Dean’s miniature collection, on exhibit through the end of August at La Petite Galerie. 

The Marco Island Center for the Arts is located at 1010 Winterberry Drive, Marco Island.