As human beings, we have the capability to recall memories. We verbalize them, journal them, and even sing about them in a song that pulls at our heart strings. We’ve expressed and preserved special memories through paintings, portraits, abstract works of art that often leave the mind to its own imagination. But if you could build a memory with your bare hands, bringing it into tangible fruition, then you can grasp the concept of Miniature Works, a unique space at 1209, Route 213, High Falls.

This amazing artist Brigitte Nagel, who goes by the name Brigitte, with a French pronunciation, does just that. She brings to the table of modern creation, a unique blend of her own original work of art and that of other artists with similar taste and interest. Brigitte constructs mini-3-D creations of a childhood memory or a favorite scene of something that will no longer exist.

“I make vignettes of things that are going to go away,” she explained, then brought clarity to what she does when she expounded on how it all makes sense. For example, if a loved one passes away, a family member could have a vignette made — a miniature replica of a specific time and place. Or, if someone who has transitioned to assisted living and will no longer have his or her home, a favorite room in the house that bears some significance, or a piece of furniture with a special memory attached, can be preserved in a miniature piece of art. In other words, a small portion of what matters, can be seen, touched, and remembered in a smaller, portable version of how it once was.

Plainly, this is not merely any kind of art. What Brigitte does falls into a category all its own, one that many may not have seen before. And no two creations are the same. Each miniature work seems to stem from a different grade of her creativity. “Every piece tells a story. I create storylines… I don’t make doll houses,” Brigitte emphasized. “I create storylines.”

Whether you show it to her or explain it, “If I can see it, I can make it,” she said with a smile as big and warm as the atmosphere inside her very charming shop. It is that welcoming and inviting dew of warmth that touches a person when he or she walks through the doors of the newly opened business establishment, even before they can begin to explore the wonderful world of mini constructs that adorns her High Falls space.

Her work is scrupulous in every way and captures one’s attention at first glance. Her meticulousness with the smallest detail indicates a level of patience that is clearly crafted within her passion, for she would quickly admit, “I can work all day on a project and not tire or become frustrated but put me on hold for five minutes on the phone....”

Brigitte noted that not only does she tell her story, but she allows others to share the story they see when they experience her work. “It’s enlightening!” Brigette remarked, apparently loving and enjoying every moment of what transpires in her customers at Miniature Works. Brigitte shared a sensitive moment about when one of her customers recalled a very special memory for the very first time, triggered by one of Brigitte’s pieces introduced to the customer. Her work seemed to have that effect on others. People can see themselves or some remarkable event in their lives, when they look at these creations.

So, what drives Brigitte to manufacture such exceptional and inspiring work and how did it all begin?

The doors of Miniature Works officially opened to the public on July 15. Paying customers and on-lookers alike came to witness the new addition to the Hamlet of High Falls, but it did not start there. Brigitte is a retired high school history teacher and had always been very exuberant and animated in class with her students, which would have otherwise been monotonous. But she found herself turning every lesson into an opportunity to bring the stories of history alive and relatable. Still, her talent and creativity did not start there.

It was in the sixth grade as a young girl, Brigitte recalled, that this extraordinary gift first surfaced, making shoebox houses for little troll dolls at the time. From her very young, fertile imagination, she would make little things out of anything and realized that they were something she could be proud of.

Three years ago, the creative sixth grade teacher and the animated adult storyteller emerged while putzing around in her basement. Realizing the wonderful talent she has for this type of artistry, she took it to the next level and Miniature Works birthed forth. Brigitte creates from her own imagination, recreates from pictures and other visuals, and can develop an explicit, detailed piece even from something implied. However she arrives at these prolific designs, Bridgette still takes little things (a toy spoon or a measuring cup) from any material (wood, plastic, metal, polymer clay) and makes something (an old greenhouse or a basket of apples) that she, and now others as well, can be proud of.

So, what drives her? Passion! She is driven by this deep, unyielding passion to work with her hands, forming and molding polymer clay, mostly, to tell a compelling story or recreate one from the words of an inspired customer.

Those who wish to try are afforded a space in the back workshop with a variety of supplies to choose from. Whether it is to restore some part of your childhood or to have a keepsake of whatever one desires, stop by and try your hand at making your own miniatures. You just never know what amazing talents lie dormant within you that is yet to be discovered.

For more information, go to bnminiatureworks.com. You may contact Brigitte at 845-417-1693 or by email at bnminiatureworks@gmail.com.