During the month of August, the Artists League of the Sandhills, in Aberdeen, will present "Jewels in the Sandhills" at the Exchange Street Gallery.

This exhibit will showcase the exquisite small and miniature works of art from their full members. These two-dimensional works of art, done in oil, acrylic, watercolor, ink and other media, measure 8- by-10 inches or less.

This genre of visual art has been around since the 1300s, as it began with the illustrated manuscript paintings of the monks. Its zenith occurred in the 17th century, but the appeal of these small paintings waned after the introduction of photography and the changing tastes of the art world.

In the mid-20th century, the interest in producing development of various art societies became dedicated to this form.

The Artists League will host an opening reception Sunday, Aug. 5, from 2 to 5 p.m. The exhibition and sale continue through Friday, Aug. 29, with the Exchange Street Gallery open from noon to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

It is located in historic downtown Aberdeen, at 129 Exchange St. in the old Aberdeen Rockfish Railroad storage terminal. Visit the website www.artistleague.org.

Contact the League at (910) 944-3979 or artistleague@windstream. org for information on membership, classes, workshops and monthly gallery exhibits.