As part of the programming for the annual Summer Reading Program, Huntington Beach Public Library held an all ages Tiny Art Contest. Events for the contest were held throughout the summer and included an all ages Tiny Art Night, an Adult Tiny Art Night, Art in the Park at the Main Street Branch, and culminated in a Tiny Art Show and Gala. The community response to this contest was greater than anticipated and it was exciting to have so many amazing and creative art pieces submitted. There were 123 entries submitted across five age groups: 0 – 5 years old, 6 – 12 years old, Teens, Adults 19 – 64 years old, and 65+ years old. Participant submissions included paintings, photographs, mixed media pieces, and even 3D pieces—all fitting within a 4″ x 4” canvas.

The Tiny Art Gala was attended by over 160 community members. Artists and their friends and family enjoyed a beautiful showcase of all 123 entries, enjoyed tiny food and drinks, and voted on their favorite pieces. The evening ended with an awards ceremony comprised of eighteen awards. Each of the five age groups had a winner for Library Staff Choice, People’s Choice (voted on by attendees of the event), and Best in Show. The winners ranged from the youngest of library patrons to a winner in the 65+ category who had never picked up a paint brush before she decided to paint the Huntington Beach Pier for this contest. The contest, events, and gala were a success and much loved by the Huntington Beach community.