Artworks Shrink to Fit Tiny Budgets

A LADDIE JOHN DILL FOR $90? A JUDY CHICAGO FOR $65? HAVE WE DIED AND GONE TO PIC ‘N’ SAVE HEAVEN?: No, we’re still alive, and Pic ‘N’ Save is not dealing in ultra-fine art. But thanks to The Studio, a new art and jewelry gallery in Santa Monica, customers of modest means can afford to own authentic works by Dill, Chicago and other artists whose pieces typically cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Tiny sterling silver, handcrafted versions of Dill’s sculptures, for example, have been turned into pins for $90 and $60. A version of one of Judy Chicago’s famed dinner party place settings is a colorful enamel pin ($65), which, according to Chicago, “is meant to be worn in commemoration of women’s rich heritage.”

Usually, when you’re lucky enough to find a place carrying jewelry by artists, there’s lots of art and little jewelry. Here, that’s reversed. Arnold Carr, a former Hollywood press agent who co-founded The Studio with artist Mitchell Binder, reports that it is also selling its wares to shops and galleries throughout the country.

Even if you’re not looking for jewelry or art, should you find yourself strolling down Main Street, a stop inside The Studio is sure to boost your spirits. Many of the pieces, like the sterling silver crocodile key chain by artist Eduardo Bolioli, combine profound whimsy with elegant design and impeccable craftsmanship. The Studio is at 2814 Main St., Santa Monica.

MICHAEL J. FOX, GARY COLEMAN, AND HERVE VILLECHAIZE, THIS ONE’S FOR YOU: For years, women with tiny tootsies have been served by stores and catalogues dedicated to small-size shoes. Notably, Cinderella of Boston has been providing scaled-down women’s footwear since 1939.

The company just introduced a catalogue of small-size men’s footwear. It’s called the Charles Phillip Collection and features classic styles (wing-tips, penny loafers, oxfords, side-zip boots and more) in men’s sizes 3 1/2 to 7; D, EE and EEE widths. Prices range from $68 to $125. To order a free catalogue, call (818) 709-1174.

For those who shudder at the thought of buying shoes by mail, the men’s and women’s small-size shoes can be tried on and purchased at the showroom: 21004 Nordhoff St., Chatsworth.