Curated by  by Eva Melas, Portia Munson, and Carri Skoczek

In The Doll Show, we will explore the dual nature of dolls—both eerie and endearing. Our exhibition draws inspiration from a broad range of doll representations, including beloved figures like Raggedy Ann, Chatty Cathy and Barbie, as well as culturally significant ones such as folk art dolls, Mexican paper mache figures, Haitian voodoo dolls, and dolls in traditional costumes representing different cultures. This broad spectrum highlights how dolls can embody fairy tales, personal memories, and cultural narratives.

Also included in the doll show will be hundreds of dolls from private collections hung and arranged together on a large wall.

Dolls have held a special place in human culture for millennia. From the wooden “paddle dolls” unearthed in Egyptian tombs dating back to the 21st century BC, to traditional clay and wooden figures discovered across the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Europe, dolls have transcended simple playthings. Historically, dolls have served diverse roles: as messengers to ancestors and deities, ritualistic tools, educational aids, instruments of political satire, and mystical objects of protection.

This exhibition showcases an array of artistic styles and interpretations, ranging from social commentary to whimsical, metaphorical, magical, and even terrifying representations. The artworks on display reflect the multifaceted nature of dolls—some crafted to offer protection, others to provoke, and many to captivate with their beauty or evoke a sense of the uncanny.

We are excited to present this diverse group of artists who have incorporated dolls into their creative practices. Their contributions underscore the profound and varied ways in which dolls continue to inspire and challenge artistic expression.

The Doll Show features the work of 44 artists: Vivian Baumann, Corinne Botz, Katherine Burger, Dina Bursztyn, Russell Busch, Ellenora Cage, Susan Carr, Rani Carson, Julie Chase, E.V. Day,  Greta Fern Donahue, Mona France, Esme Grail, Kara Grail, Yonadav Greenwood, Sandra Greuel, Freeda Electra Handelsman, Marcia Hillis, Scott Keidong, Tine Kindermann, Maria Levitsky, Alexandra Limpert, Robyn Love, Bonnie Lucas, Maeve McCool, JoAnne McFarland, Portia Munson, Lee Musselman, Sylvia Netzer, Bradley Parsons, Jean-Guerly Petion, Emily Blair Quinn, Betsey Regan, Geova Rodrigues, Kathy Ruttenberg, Lourdes Sanchez, Carri Skoczek, Laurie Steelink, Melissa Stern, Lori Taschler, Ginna Triplett, Regina Tuzzolino, Beck Underwood & Lia Zulalian-Moynihan.

Join the artists of The Doll Show in a “speed spiel” as participants in The Doll Show briefly discuss their work and practice involving dolls. The event will be simultaneously broadcast via Instagram LIVE as well as in the gallery. This 2:00 artists’ talk precedes the opening reception scheduled from 3:00 – 5:00pm at the Kleinert/James Center for the Arts. Join and follow us on instagram and be a part of the art!

Artists Speed Spiel Sunday, October 13, 2 pm

Opening reception Sunday, October 13, 3 – 5 pm