THE ARTISTS

"The Village of African American Doll Artists" is an exhibition created by seasoned African American doll, puppet, and fiber artists. Their artworks chronicle historical eras, depict folk legends, religious deities, and people in our communities, and articulate our hope for the future.

These artists came of age in African descended communities during the height of the civil rights movement. They were raised with a strong sense of familial, social, and cultural considerations. These artists are storytellers who chronicle the history and culture of their communities using needle and thread, paint and brushes, hammer and nails, wire and clay, and more. For many of the artists both the subject matter and the materials used have significance. The subject matter and materials are approached purposefully and have a spiritual life that calls to the past, the present, and the future.

For the majority, their artistic gifts were identified and supported by family and community during their formative years. For others, their gifts as figurative and fiber artists would emerge in their later years in response to overwhelming life altering events. These artists recognize their work as healing and transformative for themselves and the communities they represent.

Camila Bryce-Laporte Artist and Folklorist