These 60 miniature wildlife sculptures by Mary McGrath were collected over several years by our museum founders, Patricia and Walter Arnell. McGrath is a master at replicating the natural world into hand-sculpted fine-scale treasures. Her ability to recreate flora and fauna in the one-inch scale is unparalleled and highly sought after by collectors. No two pieces are ever exactly alike, with every element made by hand. These sculptures are incredibly light weight and extremely fragile. She creates her birds and animals using polymer clay, then painstakingly paints them using fine tipped paintbrushes. Her plants are primarily comprised of finely cut and assembled paper which has also been hand painted to authentically capture the changing seasons. Each completed sculpture is scientifically accurate: there is no plant out of place or season, nor are there animals shown together which would not naturally coexist. This strict obedience to accuracy has propelled McGrath's career: she is a Fellow in the International Guild of Miniature Artisans and a member of the Academy of Honor in the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts.

Keep an eye out for McGrath’s pieces as you enjoy the Museum’s collection: many of our roomboxes and dollhouses contain McGrath masterpieces, hidden among the minute décor like unexpected treasures.