Mini masterpiece — Nikko Snyder’s collection of tiny artwork will be on display June 13 to August 3, 2008.

An opening reception will be held at the Kootenay Gallery for two new exhibitions on Friday, June 13 at 7 p.m.

In the West Gallery will be Nikko Snyder’s Art for a Dollhouse. This is a collection of original miniature artworks created specifically for Nikko Snyder’s dollhouse.

At the age of 12, and after six years of collecting furnishings and décor that would make the house her grandfather built for her complete, the next logical and fanciful step was to acquire artwork to adorn the walls and rooms.

With artists for parents, Nikko’s familiarity and friendship with other artists from across Canada were well in place. A young girl’s letters to many of those artists resulted in a collection of more than 30 miniature artworks.

The artwork for her dollhouse was created by well know Canadian artists such as Dorothy Knowles, Eric Cameron, Gordon Ferguson, Robert McInnis, Wendy Toogood and Don Mabie, among others. The artwork is presented in stand alone room settings that were designed by Nikko and her mother.

Nikko’s collection was presented in public galleries in Calgary, Surrey, Penticton and Edmonton from 1989-92, and now, after being in storage for 15 years, will once again delight audiences of all ages.

On Saturday, June 14, at 1 p.m., Nikko will speak about how her childhood dream of owning a collection of art became a reality.

In the East Gallery, an exhibition entitled, Toni Onley: A Survey is comprised of a selection of paintings from the permanent collection at the Penticton Art Gallery.

Over the years, Onley supported this gallery by donating works to both the collections and various fundraising activities. This collection, which includes paintings from the 1960’s to 2002, provides a window into both the early and late periods of Onley’s artistic development.

This exhibition reflects a signature painting style now known the world over as belonging to one of British Columbia’s and Canada’s most important visual artists. Included will be Onley’s painting wall and pallet from his studio to provide a unique look into his painting process.

Paul Crawford, curator of the Penticton Art Gallery, will be giving a talk on Saturday, June 14.

Paul will speak about his personal relationship with Onley and his contribution to the development of the visual arts in British Columbia and Canada.

This reception is open to the public and admission is free.

Both exhibits will be on display at the Kootenay Gallery in Castlegar, BC until August 3.