Mansfield to Host the First Black Doll Collectors Convention
Barbara Whiteman Executive Direcor of the Philadephia Doll Museum
(The only Black Doll Museum in the country.)
Mansfield, MA (BlackNews.com) - The DOLL E DAZE PROJECT, DALLSS, INC., and THE PHILADELPHIA DOLL MUSEUM will come together in Mansfield, Massachusetts on May 30, 2008 to June 1, 2008 to host the first of its kind BLACK DOLL COLLECTORS CONVENTION (B.D.C.C). This convention will be the most exciting event in Black Doll History. "Harambee" (Kiswahili meaning coming together) will be held at the Mansfield Holiday Inn, and is a celebration of the strengths and determination of the hosting organizations to preserve the history. Convention activities are centered on educating attendees on the significance of preserving the history of black dolls while raising funds to establish the first Black Doll Museum in New England and the second in the country.
The inspiration for the convention goes back to 2004 when Mansfield residents Debra Britt and Felicia Walker two sisters, began to exhibit more than 4,000 dolls of color throughout Massachusetts' libraries and schools. Their vision was to celebrate black history through the eyes of a doll collector, promote culture diversity via understanding and doll making. Since 2004, library patrons, children, seniors and families have created approximately 17,000 African wrap dolls. The dolls are created exclusively with recycled materials. In response, to this demand the need to find a permanent home for the Doll E. Daze Project and Museum became evident.
Attendees will have an opportunity to view several exhibits on site as well as enjoy three full days of programs including workshops and seminars on the history of Black Dolls; Black dolls as a teaching tool; creating furniture for your doll; jewelry making; preserving your paper dolls; the Legend of Cecilia and creating your own African Wrap doll. There will be other events such as a Fashion show, a Doll competition, and an awards luncheon honoring the executive director of the Philadelphia Doll Museum Barbara Whiteman. In addition, each attendee will receive a souvenir doll created principally for the convention by the Big Beautiful Doll Company; designed by a local fashion designer, Amanda Keeling of Sharon, MA. Attendees will also have a variety of shopping opportunities. Attendees can shop at the convention doll sale (members get in free) or at shops in doll town Mansfield where local businesses will exhibit dolls from the DOLL E DAZE PROJECT AND MUSEUM.
On Both Saturday and Sunday the exhibits and the marketplace will be open to the public. During past doll shows hosted by the Philadelphia Doll Museum at the Philadelphia convention center attendance has been 3-5000 consumers from across the country. With support from the local businesses in Mansfield as well as the Tri County Chamber of Commerce attendance at the 2008 Black Doll Collectors Convention are expected to exceed the Philadelphia market.
The BLACK DOLL COLLECTORS CONVENTION brings together dedicated collectors, historians, dealers and doll makers together to share their love for dolls of color. B.D.C.C's mission is to promote the growth of friendship and understanding via collecting and sharing of information. The full convention program is limited to 250 attendees and reservations are now being accepted.
For further information contact Debra Britt (617) 448-0527 or Louise Powell (617) 524-1777
Email: blkdollcollector@aol.com or visit www.blackdollcollectors.com
Email
This Article To A Friend
Barbara Whiteman Executive Direcor of the Philadephia Doll Museum
(The only Black Doll Museum in the country.)
