JERI HUBBARD

Jeri Hubbard has been making dolls for several decades. She worked the Black doll circuit in the 1980s and 1990s, where she forged relationships with other artists and collectors who understood the importance of her work and encouraged her professional development. Designer Anthony Haskins introduced her to Butterick Publishing Co. that published her doll patterns. Doll artist and close friend, Francine Haskins, encouraged Jeri to move away from the machine and sew her art dolls by hand. Francine’s advice changes both Jeri’s execution and relationship with the art form.

Each of Jeri’s dolls is a work of art. They are well-crafted with small fine stitching and meticulous details. As an educator, her dolls are inspired by historical figures, significant events, or her personal journey. Jeri’s signature doll collections include “Black Women Development,” which celebrates the achievement of women like Josephine Baker, Harriet Tubman, and Toni Morrison; and “Black Lives Matter,” a collection initially inspired by the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the killing of Trevon Martin.

Jeri has also supported ambitious ventures in the Black doll community. In the 1980s, she was among the first artists to participate in the William Grant Still Center’s Black Doll Show. This show, inspired by Kenneth and Mamie Clark ‘ s Black doll test, was created to uplift the self-esteem of Black children. “I want Black children to be knowledgeable about their history. I want Black children to accept themselves as Black people.”