Tacoma's newest gallery is called Iota. Nice name for a gallery specializing in small art. It means a jot, a whit, something tiny.

Their first show opened in March and will run through April. The featured artist is Susan Cowan, a Portland artist who also has a studio in Tacoma. Her paintings, all around 10-by-10 inches, are scenes from a recent trip to France, which is fitting because Iota specializes in "the unusual and decidedly French feeling items," according to gallery owner Sharika Roland.

"Susan has an exquisite style that is from years of teaching and traveling and working constantly. Her jewel-like paintings are so detailed that you have to stare at them a long time to fully see all she has painted. Even the smallest detail is flawless," Roland says.

In addition to small-format art, Iota sells accoutrements such as handmade designer pillows and curtains and tuffets "and a unique mixture of jewelry and honey products and sock monkeys and hand felted soaps."

[Iota, noon to 6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 1901 Jefferson Ave., Suite 101, Tacoma, 253.274.0958]