A Miniature World Still Awaits You at Local Arts Center

As the saying goes, good things come in small packages.

It's a point that's been proved this month at the , where the remains on display.

But if you're interested in checking it out, you'd better do so this weekend. As of Jan. 1, the more than 50 dollhouses and room boxes of varying styles—many of which were made by artists—in the gallery will be gone.

“Miniaturists love to capture a sense of fantasy,” gallery director Julie Dekker said. “Among those shown in this year’s exhibit depict a florist’s greenhouse, an antique shop and Santa’s toy shop, complete with elves. One room box shows a birthday party.”

Room boxes are a specific room or scene in a home and Dekker said they've been especially popular this year. They're built to scale, she noted, and include intricate details, from individual flowers to platters of food. Every aspect of them is handmade.

Returning this year is a fan favorite—the Linda Sterns 17-room mansion that features multiple bedrooms, two outdoor patios and a music room. Dekker said she gets many offers each year from local children who want to help set it up.

Start a Dollhouse and Donate to a Great Local Cause

With $1, buy a chance to win a new dollhouse built by Orland Park resident Don Larson, a 30-year dollhouse enthusiast. The lucky winner will be drawn on Jan. 1. All proceeds will benefit the . A non-profit organization started by the in 1996, the program helps support disadvantaged families in Tinley Park during the holidays, according to co-founder Dennis Mahoney.

For more information about the Vogt Visual Arts Center or to purchase tickets for the Dollhouse Raffle, contact Julie Dekker at 708-309-4371. For information on the Tinley Wish Program, please visit their page on the Village of Tinley Park website.

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