Tag: Art Dolls

Expressive Art Experience

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Several months ago I was asked by the Salem Art Association if I would be interested in participating in a pilot program to offer therapeutic art classes at Salem Hospital’s Cancer Institute. I enthusiastically agreed and offered up some ideas for classes I could teach. Yesterday was the inaugural offering: Embellishing a Soft Cloth Doll, a class I have offered for several years through my studio and through Salem Art Association events.

My personal collection of art dolls I have created over the years.
My personal collection of art dolls I have created over the years.

The class was small, but the women who attended were enthusiastic and grateful for the opportunity to make art and play. We knew when we scheduled the class, that people might not feel up to attending when the day rolled around.

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The dolls that were completed:

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IMG_0914It was a wonderful experience to offer a respite in the lives of these brave women. One of the participants said she had not done any art since being diagnosed with cancer and beginning treatment. It was a joy to re-ignite that spark for her.

Salem Art Fair and Festival: Creature Creations

IMG_9291The 2014 Salem Art Fair and Festival has concluded, but I was lucky enough to be invited to lead an activity in the kids area on Saturday. The activity was painting and decorating a 16″ muslin Bendi doll. I led this workshop for the Salem Art Association back in October, 2013; here’s a link to that post: I’m Nuts For Art. Both art doll sessions were sponsored and generously funded by the Bush Barn Gallery Guides.

I’ve done lots of planning over the past couple of months in preparation for yesterday, with the most important being rounding up 60 dolls!

IMG_9274I got all of the supplies to the Salem Art Association and then on Saturday, arrived early enough to get everything ready.

IMG_9285Kids purchased tickets for the various activities  . . . . .

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We immediately had kids ready to make a creature and for the next four hours, there was a steady stream of activity. (PS We even had some adults creating dolls, some under the guise of helping their child and others blatantly creating!)

IMG_9332IMG_9312 IMG_9307 IMG_9300IMG_9318IMG_9329IMG_9326IMG_9336IMG_9315IMG_9316IMG_9330IMG_9333It was a wildly fun and successful day. But boy, was I tired that night.

Dayna at art fair