History of World Federation of Miniaturists
1995 - 2016
In November 1995, World Miniaturists met in London and took the steps to fulfil a hope for an International organization. Jane Blake, RMS MAA a key proponent of the idea, formed an interim committee with Miniature Artists of America (MAA) to study the matter and develop an organizational plan. The London gathering, held in conjunction with the First World Exhibition of Miniature Art, sponsored by President Suzanne Lucas and the Royal Miniature Society, provided the forum for establishing the new organization on November 10, 1995.
The World Federation of Miniaturists (WFM) was founded by Wally Curtis and Kay Petryszak to unite miniature art groups around the world. WFM assisted in organizing 'Small Pictures - Great Harmony' in Japan during the 1998 Winter Olympics. Japanese officials reported over 1800 works received including those from 271 overseas artists from 32 countries.
In Hobart, Tasmania, Australia in September 2000 the Australian Society of Miniature Artists (ASMA) Tasmania, hosted the Second World Exhibition of Miniature Art and WFM Conference. Sue Burton, of The Hilliard Society, was elected WFM President for a five year term. Sadly, Sue Burton passed away in June 2003, so Caroline Hayes volunteered to assume Sue's duties.
In June/July 2004 the Miniature Painters, Sculptors & Gravers Society (MPSGS) hosted the Third World Exhibition of Miniature Art and WFM Conference, at The Ripley Center, Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC. Thirteen member societies, plus several independent WFM members and two guest societies, from 18 countries were represented in the 1127 works on view. Joan Kelly of ASMA, Tasmania was elected as WFM Council Head/President for the next four years.
The Fourth World Exhibition of Miniature Art and WFM Conference, hosted by ASMA, Tasmania was held at the Burnie Regional Art Gallery in Burnie, Tasmania, Australia in March/April 2008. There were 648 works in the show. Joan Kelly agreed to stay on as WFM Counil Head/President for a second term.
The Fifth World Exhibition of Miniature Art and WFM Conference, hosted by the Russian Society of Miniature Artists and ARSA-F, were held at The Lyceum Academy of Art in Moscow, Russia in September 2012. There were 514 works in the show submitted by 8 Miniature Art Societies from around the world and 9 independent artists not affiliated with any society. The Russian hosts did a marvellous job arranging tours in and around Moscow for the Conference attendees. Joan Kelly agreed to stay on as Council Head/President for a third term.
The Sixth World Federation Exhibition and Conference was hosted by the Miniature Art Society of South Africa (MASSA), in Johannesburg, South Africa in February 2016. The 294 works in the show represented 11 different countries, 9 different Miniature Art Societies and independent members and resulted in 120 works sold - over 40% of the show. The Exhibition took place in luxurious Hyde Park Corner, located in the heart of Johannesburg's affluent Northern suburbs. The exhibition was exquisitely displayed and the tours were exceptional - especially the wildlife tour to Kruger National Park. The Conference was well organized and well attended. Joan Kelly agreed to stay on as Council Head/President for a fourth term.
The World Federation of Miniaturists (WFM) was founded by Wally Curtis and Kay Petryszak to unite miniature art groups around the world. WFM assisted in organizing 'Small Pictures - Great Harmony' in Japan during the 1998 Winter Olympics. Japanese officials reported over 1800 works received including those from 271 overseas artists from 32 countries.
In Hobart, Tasmania, Australia in September 2000 the Australian Society of Miniature Artists (ASMA) Tasmania, hosted the Second World Exhibition of Miniature Art and WFM Conference. Sue Burton, of The Hilliard Society, was elected WFM President for a five year term. Sadly, Sue Burton passed away in June 2003, so Caroline Hayes volunteered to assume Sue's duties.
In June/July 2004 the Miniature Painters, Sculptors & Gravers Society (MPSGS) hosted the Third World Exhibition of Miniature Art and WFM Conference, at The Ripley Center, Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC. Thirteen member societies, plus several independent WFM members and two guest societies, from 18 countries were represented in the 1127 works on view. Joan Kelly of ASMA, Tasmania was elected as WFM Council Head/President for the next four years.
The Fourth World Exhibition of Miniature Art and WFM Conference, hosted by ASMA, Tasmania was held at the Burnie Regional Art Gallery in Burnie, Tasmania, Australia in March/April 2008. There were 648 works in the show. Joan Kelly agreed to stay on as WFM Counil Head/President for a second term.
The Fifth World Exhibition of Miniature Art and WFM Conference, hosted by the Russian Society of Miniature Artists and ARSA-F, were held at The Lyceum Academy of Art in Moscow, Russia in September 2012. There were 514 works in the show submitted by 8 Miniature Art Societies from around the world and 9 independent artists not affiliated with any society. The Russian hosts did a marvellous job arranging tours in and around Moscow for the Conference attendees. Joan Kelly agreed to stay on as Council Head/President for a third term.
The Sixth World Federation Exhibition and Conference was hosted by the Miniature Art Society of South Africa (MASSA), in Johannesburg, South Africa in February 2016. The 294 works in the show represented 11 different countries, 9 different Miniature Art Societies and independent members and resulted in 120 works sold - over 40% of the show. The Exhibition took place in luxurious Hyde Park Corner, located in the heart of Johannesburg's affluent Northern suburbs. The exhibition was exquisitely displayed and the tours were exceptional - especially the wildlife tour to Kruger National Park. The Conference was well organized and well attended. Joan Kelly agreed to stay on as Council Head/President for a fourth term.