Fans of “The Borrowers,” “Stuart Little” and “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” will love the Poplar Bluff Municipal Library’s latest art exhibit. The “Small Town Miniatures” series by Belinda Bailey brings pint-sized narratives to life with repurposed objects and detailed miniatures. It is available for viewing at the Main Branch until the end of March.
Bailey, a local artist, is a personal trainer who also co-owns and operates SQ Laundromat in Poplar Bluff with her husband. She expanded her hobbies of woodworking and repurposing during the pandemic, taking a cue from her mother’s creative endeavors.
“My mother, Pat Templemire, has always enjoyed miniature dollhouses and collecting unique miniatures wherever she goes. I started making miniatures for my family and friends for birthdays and Christmas gifts,” she said in an artist’s statement.
Bailey largely taught herself online and credits artists’ communities on YouTube, Pinterest and Facebook for fueling her creativity and putting her in touch with other miniaturists.
Her vignettes often use found objects as the base, with miniature sculptures and props creating the scene. They were initially “for my family and friends for birthdays and Christmas gifts,” she said, but her works have gathered a wider following.
“I have been asked to sell to the public and on Etsy so others can enjoy these little guys. I will be putting them on the market soon under the name ‘Small Town Miniatures’ by Belinda Bailey,” she explained.
Library guests are invited to comment on their favorite pieces in the guest book at the exhibit.
Poplar Bluff Municipal Library is located at 318 N. Main St. More information about the library and upcoming events can be found at poplarbluff.org or by calling 573-686-8639.