VCCA Fellow Mary Brandt (1921-2007) Honored with Miniature Book





When Caroline Y. Lindemann, who graduated from Sweet Briar College in 1949, came across an exhibit of miniature finger paintings by VCCA Fellow Mary Ann Brandt at the Virginia Museum of Fine Art, she was mesmerized. Sadly, Caroline, who lives in Richmond, did not meet Mary Ann, who died in 2007. One of the nation's leading collectors of miniature books (she recently donated 13,000 to the University of Virginia), Caroline decided to pay tribute to this VCCA artist. Her new press, Cyclone Press, will publish "Mary Ann Brant," its first book, later this month. Written by Eileen Mott and edited by Caroline, it is appropriately diminutive in size. Letterpress printed, it includes several life size color illustrations.

Mary Ann, who was in residence at the VCCA four times between 1983 and 1990, raised finger painting to a high art. It was during one of her VCCA residencies, Caroline tells us, that Mary Ann began to see miniature paintings within her paintings, and so began her foray into this tiny world of art where even with fingers, she managed to create the finest of detail in her work.

To order copies of the book, please contact Caroline Lindemann at 804-200-1260.

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