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AUSTIN DOLL COLLECTORS SOCIETY

The Austin Doll Collectors Society is an organization of antique, vintage, and modern doll collectors, dealers, and artisans. We meet on the second Sunday of each month and our meetings are fun and educational. We begin with refreshments and socializing, and, following our brief business meeting, there is a special doll-related program and "show and tell." The Austin Doll Collectors Society is a nonprofit organization and is a member of the United Federation of Doll Clubs.

Saturday, February 18, 2017

February 6, 2017, Meeting

Member Elaine Jackson gave her program on the founding of the National Institute of American Doll Artists (NIADA). She explained that NIADA was founded in 1963 by a small group of doll artists lead by Helen Bullard. Bullard, who hand carved wooden dolls to help support her family, had met other dolls artists, including Gertrude Florian, Magge Head, and Fawn Zeller, at the annual United Federation of Doll Clubs (UFDC) conventions. In 1952, Bullard and several other artists rented space near the convention to display their dolls, attracting a lot of interest among doll collectors.  NIADA artists work in a wide variety of material, creating dolls that are meant to be art objects, not children' playthings.  Elaine also discussed Original Doll Artists Council of America (ODACA), founded in 1976.  She brought many examples of dolls by past and current NIADA and ODACA artists.







These dolls were carved by Bullard.


Another of Elaine's favorites,  Mikodamus by Magge Head Kane, another founding member of NIADA.


Another hand carved wooden doll, but by artist Floyd Bell who belongs to both organizations.  She represents Jane Pittman.


A Texas Santa by Joyce Patterson, a member of ODACA.


Other members brought examples of NIADA and ODACA creations to share.






University of Texas journalism students Dani Matias and Ashley discussed their proposal to make a short two-minute film on doll collecting for a class project.  Several members agreed to be interviewed.









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