Tiny Dorset art gallery showcases work by learning disability group

The Tiny Art Gallery displayed at The Beehive café, showcases miniature artwork from local and professional artists, curated by a former psychologist who wanted to make art more inclusive in the area.

(Image: Chloe Boden) Antje Rook opened the dollhouse sized gallery with co-creator Yollande Posthumus in February. She said she “wanted it to be different, easily accessible and inclusive.”

“[In galleries] it’s always the same people, and I think it is lovely that anyone can have a go,” she said.

The latest paintings, created using seaweed and from local beaches, were made by Muntsy’s expressive arts group and will be on display for the rest of the month.

(Image: Chloe Boden) Antje said: “I approached lots of community groups and one was Muntsy’s. They sent me a few and they were great. So far, they have sent me 20 pictures.”

Muntsy’s is a day service for adults with learning and physical disabilities which helps members live more independent lives. The group was set up in 2007 and the art was created during workshops in Castletown.

Six members of the group, Ben, Lynne, Tracey, Hannah, Catherine and Paul, worked to produce the artwork, made from watching the movement of dried seaweed, drawing and painting over it.

Group leader of the expressive arts group at Muntsy’s, Paul le Keux, said: “We use the artworks and the projects that we do to help them realise about life skills. For some of them that’s communication and for some its improving fine motor skills. But also the day is about them creating art and making targets for themselves.

(Image: Paul le Keux)

“When they found out other people were going to see it they were really chuffed and we’re going to visit next week. They enjoy knowing their art is out there in the community.”

Antje works around Portland delivering exhibitions and workshops, often focusing on people that may have never had the chance to display their work. Previously she worked with a group of refugees living on the Bibby Stockholm at Portland Port.

“We taught 15 men how to sew” she said, “it was very simple but they all made something and the artwork put together symbolised the connection and love they felt for this place.”

The artist, who was previously a psychologist and therapist who used art as a form of therapy, is passionate about bringing culture to the area. She moved to Portland in 2006 from Germany.

She said: “I am not a real Portlander, but I feel like I am. I love this place and the people who live here. When I first came here it was a very rural place and suddenly it became more and more popular.”

Next month, the exhibition will display artwork created by Artechat, an LGBTQ+ group in Dorset.

Everything displayed in the tiny exhibition is on sale for £10. All profits go back to artists or into curating more galleries in the future.