The MMSI is a an organization based in the Chicago area dedicated to the art of painting and sculpting military miniatures and toy soldiers as well as collecting these scale works of military and fantasy art. We hold a show (not a competition, but a "juried exhibition") each year in October. There are also monthly meetings that deal with a wide variety of subjects held on the first first Friday of the month, except for a break during the summer. We do host summer get-togethers, however--also ask about joining us at breakfast on Mondays or Fridays!--as well as an annual Holiday party during the Christmas season. We publish a quarterly journal called The Scabbard that includes articles on history, uniforms, miniatures, and much more, and it is included (electronic copy or, at an extra charge, a print copy if you must) as part of the annual membership dues.