SMALL THINGS

whimsy of the small scale. We have a lot of people that come for nostalgia … And then I think some people just like that it’s a bit of a mental break.”

One of her favorite things about miniatures is that they are for everyone. Some people come into the museum thinking that the collection, which includes several intricate dollhouses and other cases of miniature objects and artwork, is mainly for kids.

But the houses are full of detailed — and sometimes even functional — replicas of what one would see in a normal house, including cupboards, dressers, paintings, beds, sinks, animals and food.

Considering the familiarity and intricacies of the pieces, Littlepage said some of the collection’s biggest fans tend to be craftsmen.

“We had a nish carpenter come through, and he just said over and over, ‘ is is all insane! How did they get that nish?’” she said. “ ere’s one house where the plumbing is really exposed – and it’s not functional plumbing – but we had a plumber come through and he was just like, ‘ at’s what every house needs.’”

In one display case, tiny handmade food is almost microscopically detailed — including an orange that can be peeled to show the segments underneath and an onion with all of its layers. Other displays show miniature artwork by Indigenous artists that represent Indigenous homes.

For many miniature items, artists use the materials that the regular-sized objects would be made of, like wood and fabric. Paintings are painted, embroidered things are embroidered and knit clothing is knit with small thread.

But for other mini details, artists get more creative, using paper to make owers and polymer clay to construct food items.

While many miniatures are created by hobbyists and artisan creators, others are mass-produced. Just like with real furniture, Wendy said, collectors will determine which types to buy based on their speci c needs.

High-end artisan miniature pieces can sell for thousands of dollars, Littlepage said. e miniature art gallery in the museum was appraised at $18,000 about 15 years ago, so it’s likely worth even more now, she added.

Crafting classes e longstanding miniature group meets monthly at the museum to work on projects together or teach and learn new skills from each other, like how to make stained glass windows or create stucco.

For those who like to make miniatures, there are clubs and classes to teach di erent skills. For a long time, Pontarelli was the president of one of these clubs, called Wee Wonders of Arvada.

“We have people at every level,” Pontarelli said. “I love getting together with these people and hearing what they’ve gured out and what they’re doing and always learning something new.”

In addition to crafting by hand, miniaturists also use new tools and technologies to create their artwork.

“I’ve noticed a change in the level of expertise over the years,” Pontarelli said. “Before, we used mini scroll saws and mini table saws and Dremel tools — we still use the Dremel quite a bit — but now that we can get laser-cut wood or 3D-printed items, it’s sort of changing the face of the miniature world.” e museum also hosts classes for kids.

“ ere’s a whole in ux of young people into the hobby and for those of us who are in it, that’s kind of exciting, because, you know, we don’t want to see it disappear,” Pontarelli said.

For her, miniatures are a great way for kids to explore their creativity.

“We’re just trying to nd any avenue to trigger their creativity, that’s really what it’s all about,” she said. “In this tech world, we need to foster any outside creativity activities that we can, because it’s really important that these kids exercise that part of their brain.”

To learn and wonder e dedication and ambition within the community of miniaturists is special, Littlepage said.

“My favorite thing about the miniature community is they’re such learners,” she said. “Like I have one of my volunteers who has been retired for a while … and she bought a laser cutter and has taught herself to program it.”

She said that problem-solving attitude, plus the childlike wonder of enjoying cute things, make miniaturists special.

Littlepage encouraged people to take a break from their busy lives to check out the museum, where tickets for adults are $5 and children and seniors are $4.

“It’s a great space because you have to slow down,” she said. “You come in fast, you miss a lot. So being able to come in, take a few breaths and just sort of nd the most ridiculous tiny thing you can nd.”

For those who have their interest piqued in the world of miniatures, Pontarelli said it’s never too late to start. Creating and collecting can be for anyone at any time and any age, she said.

And for those who don’t know where to begin, just remember — it’s OK to start small.

Thu 7/13

Nature Art! Homeschool Program

@ 9am / Free

Bird Conservancy's Environmental Learn‐ing Center, 14500 Lark Bunting Lane, Brighton. 303-659-4348 ext. 53

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Fri 7/14

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Get Crafty @ 3pm

Jul 17th - Jul 20th

Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-2893760

Tue 7/18

Volleyball Development Camp @ 6am

Jul 18th - Jul 27th

Commerce City Parks, 6060 E Parkway Drive, Commerce City. 303-289-3760

Colorado Rockies vs. New York Yankees @ 6:40pm / $32-$350

Coors Field, 2001 Blake St., Den‐ver

Sat 7/15

Colorado Rockies vs. New York Yankees @ 6:10pm / $33-$350

Metalachi: Top Taco 2023 @ 6pm

Westminster City Park, 10455 N Sheridan Blvd, Westminster

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Coors Field, 2001 Blake St., Denver

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Teague Starbuck @ 9pm

Elevate Grill & Bar, 2831 W 120th Ave #200, Westminster

Sun 7/16

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Juice O'The Barley: Twist & Shout Thornton Summer Concert Series @ 7pm

Harley Brown Amphitheater, Thornton

Wildlife Series: Flying Rainbow an Epic Tale (7/13) @ 7pm

Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, 6060 E. Parkway Dr., Commerce City. 303-2893760

Nate Hixson: Twist & Shout Thornton Summer Concert Series @ 7pm Harley Brown Amphitheater, Thornton

Carolyn Shulman: Water Lantern FestivalDenver/Thornton 2023 @ 7:20pm

Carpenter Park, 10698 Gar�eld St, Thornton

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Keith Hicks @ 4pm

Denver Premium Outlets, Thornton

Mon 7/17

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Colorado Rockies vs. Houston Astros @ 6:40pm / $10-$300

Coors Field, 2001 Blake St., Den‐ver

The Zenith Passage @ 7pm HQ, 60 S Broadway, Denver

Wed 7/19

Medicare 101 (7/19) @ 3pm

Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, 6060 E. Parkway Dr., Commerce City. 303-2893760

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Colorado Rapids vs Houston Dynamo @ 7:30pm / $25-$999

DICK'S Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City

Raptor Camp @ 9am / $230

Jul 17th - Jul 21st

Bird Conservancy's Environmental Learning Center, 14500 Lark Bunting Lane, Brighton. 303-6594348 ext. 53

Police Camp @ 1pm

Jul 17th - Jul 20th

Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-2893760

Big Dry Creek Open House @ 4:30pm

Westminster City Park, 10455 North Sheridan Boulevard, West‐minster. BDCRestoration@City ofWestminster.us, 303-706-3406

Thu 7/20

Summer Evening Patio Potluck @ 11:30pm

Fort Lupton Recreation & Parks De‐partment, 203 S Harrison, Fort Lupton. 303-857-4200