Black History Doll Show and Sale Highlights From This Weekend!

One of my commissioned dolls in the show!


A group of young ladies who were members of a support group to encourage self esteem for young girls using dolls stopped by.



Doris McGillan, Doll Artist, shows off one of her beautifully created dolls.

Two of my dolls on display




Daisy Carr proudly shows one of her doll creations!


Several more of my dolls on display.



Carole Brothers of Agape Dolls



This weekend's Black Doll Show and Sale was fantastic. It was held Friday, February 19th and Saturday, February 20th at the PG Plaza Mall in Hyattsville, Maryland. Several great doll makers and artists were in attendance including, Carole Brother of Agape Dolls, Doris McGillan of Heritage Designs, Daisy F. Carr, Doll Artist and Designer, among others.

Yours truly enjoyed the event and learned a lot of about the Doll Making and Showing world. Several of my colleagues and fellow doll makers from New York City came down and showed support for several artists in the show.

Many visitors to the show noted it was their first time being surrounded by so many beautiful dolls. Others were serious collectors who were regular visitors to the show. Still some were regular collectors of some of the doll makers in attendance. I met some new collectors of my dolls as well.

WUSA Channel 9 in Washington, DC covered some video and interviewed several artists about their works. Film footage included all the artists in attendance. Barbara Whiteman of the Philadelphia Doll Museum was also in attendance.

If you missed it there will be another one in the fall. Keep your eyes and ears posted. I will be there again!

Joy Spirit Worshippers!

Spirituality is such an inspiration for this series of Art Soul dolls I am creating called the "Spirit Worshippers". They are art healing dolls inspired from Camilla La Mer's Art Soul Doll workshop I attended in Denver, CO last year (see The Journey: Dolls for A Soulful Purpose for more details).

Because of what is happening all over the world, Haiti, the economic crisis in the US, the frustration of the snow in the Maryland, DC and Virginia area, I created this doll series to speak to comfort within ourselves. These dolls are designed to bring joy in times of sorrow, love when there is hate. Each doll calls on whatever spirit you believe in or that brings you joy. Hands are raised to worship and harness the spiritual energy to keep us moving.

I am trying to decide whether or not put clay faces on them. They are a work in progress. Let me know what you think?

Celebrating Black History Month and the Art of Doll Making!

February is Black History Month and the African American folk art of doll making is something that is exciting to explore this time of year. Doll collecting among African Americans has historically included elements of history and genealogy, with childhood dolls being passed from mother to daughter for generations. The dolls also provide a continuing link to the past – their simplicity, uniqueness and age that mark the gradual progression of African Americans socially.

This month, to celebrate Black History Month and the history of African American doll making consider:

*visiting the Philadelphia Doll Museum, to get a glimpse of the history of African American Dolls and doll making.

*purchasing and reading Debbie Behan Garrett's book Black Dolls: A Comprehensive Guide to Celebrating, Collecting and Experiencing the Passion

*visiting a local African American doll maker's studio in your community, take a doll making class or subscribe to their newsletter or blog.

*attending a Black History Doll Show this month. I will be participating in one in Hyattsville, Maryland. See my earlier blog post.

*traveling to the Gullah Islands off the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina to get the flavor of traditional doll crafts and the history behind them.

This month is an exciting month to share your love of dolls and find a sense of history in the African American community. Let me know some other ideas of how you intend to celebrate the history Black Doll making!

Sankofa Studio to Participate In Black History Month Doll Show, February 19-20, 2010

Hey all- Sankofa Studio will be participating as a vendor at the Black Doll Show and Sale this month!

Here are the details:

February 19 & 20, 2010
Friday & Saturday 10 am - 9 pm

The Mall at Prince Georges
3500 East West Highway
Hyattsville, MD 20782
"Located In The Greater Washington, DC Area"
"Celebrating Black History Month"

--Many vendors with Black Dolls, Doll Accessories, Doll Furniture, and Doll-related items for sale
--Meet the African American Doll Artists and Doll Makers
--Dorothy Dandridge Authentic Memorabilia Exhibit
--An Educational Experience For The Whole Family

The event is FREE. I will be providing discounts to Blog, Facebook and Twitter followers. Come and purchase that special doll for the New Year!