“everything – even life itself – started small” – willard wigan

One perk of working for an event planning company is that invitations are always pouring in!  We constantly receive invitations to openings, fashion shows and galas, and it often turns into valuable business.  When we get the opportunity to actually execute the event, it often means we get a “sneak peak” of the feature before everyone else.  Recently Brian Freeze from The Gremillion Gallery asked us to throw an opening party for a very gifted Micro-Sculptor named Willard Wigan.  As a thank you to AFE for helping with the party, we were offered a special tour with Willard himself.  The private tour turned out to be the most interesting and unique experience.  Willard, who was born in Birmingham, was dyslexic and skipped school to stay at home and make miniature houses for ants.  Yes, ants!  This bizarre hobby continued throughout his teens and adult life, and now he is famous for his creation of sculptures so small and detailed that they must be viewed with the use of a microscope.  Typically his work fits into the eye of a needle and may be composed of microscopic fibers, insect wings and honey. 

In addition to featuring his work at The Gremillion in October, Willard has also been on Good Morning America and  The Late Show with Conan O’Brien.  If you ask him for his most memorable experience, his answer is meeting Queen Elizabeth and receiving an MBE from Prince Charles for his contribution to the arts.  When we asked him if he liked Houston, he commented that he had never tasted such amazing food.  We wholeheartedly agreed that Texans have access to amazing food and amazing artwork!  

Above: King Henry VIII and his 6 wives.

Above: Willard’s work is usually viewed under a microscope!

Above: Snow White and the 7 dwarfs!

Above:  American family of four.

Above:  Theresa, Amanda, Rachael, Lauren, Rebecca and Laura.