Tiny Art, Big Impact

South Lake Union’s creative spirit is on full display this fall as Gage Academy of Art hosts its annual Small Works Exhibition & Art Sale. This year’s show, on view through November 6 at Gage’s SLU campus, brings together a delightful collection of original, small-format artwork—each piece 12″ x 12″ or smaller and priced under $250.

The exhibition includes between 120 and 150 pieces, created by Gage students and instructors. From figure drawings and plein air watercolors to oil paintings of food, the variety is striking—and because the works are small, visitors can explore more of them in a single visit. Each artist was invited to submit up to five pieces, and the only rule was that the work had to be small.

Purchasing a piece is not only an opportunity to support emerging and established artists but also a way to give back to Gage. Seventy percent of each sale goes to the artist, with the remainder benefiting Gage’s general fund, which supports programming like Teen Art Studios (TAS)—a free, year-round youth arts program that provides 1,500 King County teens with access to high-quality arts education.

While you’re visiting Gage, consider coming back for one of its most popular recurring events: Drink & Draw, held every third Thursday from 6–7:30pm. Grab a glass of wine, a Schilling Hard Cider, or a bubbly water, pick up a sketchpad and charcoal, and settle in to sketch from a live costumed model. A Gage monitor keeps things lively by timing poses and offering tips to help artists of all levels stay inspired.

All supplies are provided, and tickets are $20 for the public or $15 for members and Atelier students. Doors open right at 6pm, so arrive early to claim your spot and enjoy a relaxed evening of creativity.

With its new 14,000-square-foot home at 2107 Westlake Avenue, Gage Academy is inviting more people than ever to experience visual arts—whether that’s through collecting an original piece, taking a class, or sketching alongside fellow art enthusiasts at a Drink & Draw session. It’s the perfect place to discover (or rediscover) your own creative side right here in South Lake Union.