Tiny Frames Art Galleries

Have you ever noticed how a small detail can make a big impact? At Fort Worth Country Day, tiny frames are doing just that. Upper School Photography Teacher Emily Arnold introduced the FWCD Tiny Frames Art Gallery, a creative way to showcase student photography in unexpected places.

Arnold, who joined the FWCD community in August 2024, found inspiration for this endeavor at the AP Institute, a summer course hosted at TCU. There, Marty Loftus from the Denver School of the Arts shared a simple but powerful idea: Visual arts should be visual. Arnold had been asked by FWCD community members how they could see their students’ photographs, so she was already mulling over ways to make that happen. Loftus’s words stuck with her, sparking a new way to bring student photography into the spotlight.

“I had come across the work of Scottish Artist David Gilliver, who uses macro photography with tiny figurines in creative ways,” Arnold said. “I introduced the idea to my AP class, ordered some miniature figures and frames, and we printed their images. Then, we brainstormed where to place them around campus.”

At first, Arnold took the lead in hanging the frames, but now, students are scouting out new spots for their tiny masterpieces.

In the fall semester, 10 frames were FWCD Director of Orchestras Andi Aguayo said, “I am beyond proud of these students! With nearly 100 students auditioning per instrument, the competition was fierce—but the Falcons rose to the occasion, earning impressive placements.” placed around the Sid W. Visual Arts Center, Upper School, Moncrief Library and Upper School Science Building – with more on the way.

While you may not be able to wander FWCD’s halls to find them, these tiny galleries are making a big statement –reminding students and faculty alike to pause, look closer, and appreciate the artistry in the everyday.