Scale is the theme for the new exhibition A Matter of Size at the Ball State University Museum of Art.  The exhibition includes art that will allow the viewer to ponder why the artist chose to make it either big or small.  Sometimes small works can generate immense emotions, while big works can create a feeling of intimacy by surrounding the observer.

"Scale is something that we rarely think about when we discuss art," Associate Director Carl Schafer said. "We talk about color, space, shape, but we rarely talk about scale."

Although the idea behind this exhibition is simple, the experience for museum visitors will not be.

"A change in scale can take something we think we understand and make it seem very different," Schafer said.

The exhibition features small works such as a six-inch maquette of Henry Moore's Family Group, as well as very large paintings and a tapestry seldom on view because of their great size.  Artists in the exhibition include photographer Ansel Adams, sculptor Tony Smith, painters Jasper Cropsey and Roger Brown, and master glass craftsman Dominick Labino, among others. 

There will be a preview of A Matter of Size at Friday with Friends on May 15, 5-7 PM.  Start the weekend off with an evening of art and enjoy hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar.  Admission is free.

Sizing it UP Family Day will allow visitors another opportunity to experience size in art.  There will be a demonstration of miniature making, story time in the galleries, and other hands-on activities for children and adults alike.  Mark your calendar for Sunday, July 12, 2-4:30 PM and bring the whole family. 

The museum is free to the public and open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.bsu.edu/artmuseum or call 765-285-5242.