From fantasy to whimsy, mermaids to mothers, cloth dolls are proving rags can not only make riches, they can also make amazing pieces of art.
"In Celebration of the Doll: The Figure in Cloth," will bring its eighth annual tour to Utah for a monthlong exhibit at the McCurdy Historical Doll Museum and Shop, 246 N. 100 East, Provo.The doll museum is featuring cloth dolls as part of its yearlong contribution to Utah's Centennial celebration. "Cloth dolls are about the only things Utah mothers (and pioneers) could make for their children," said Shirley Paxman, owner and curator of the museum. Other cloth and famous Centennial dolls will also be on display at the museum.
Dolls featured in the "Figure in Cloth" tour are made by international doll makers given a by-invitation-only opportunity to exhibit their works around the country. This year's tour includes appearances in Texas, North Carolina, Florida, Michigan, Colorado and Utah.
"Cloth figures in ancient times were ritual objects as well as playthings," said Kathleen Bricker, tour organizer. "This exhibit of dolls is a throw back to the ritual design."
Bricker said of the many notable dolls in the 36-piece collection, the one receiving a lot of attention is the figure of a little girl. "She looks real," Bricker said. At one of the exhibitions, Bricker said a young girl stood mesmerized by the doll while others looked on in amazement. "The little girl looked just like the doll," Bricker said.
"We have everything from the little girl to a knotted piece of fiber. There are humorous pieces and studies in anatomy featuring Adam and Eve," Bricker said. "Every artist has a different method for making dolls; some use molds, some just cut and stuff. Others sculpt with a needle."
Although cloth dollmaking is a centuries-old art, Bricker said time has not diminished its appeal.
"It's becoming more and more accepted. Cloth dolls are becoming more and more popular," Bricker said. Perhaps one of the biggest reasons why people are finding interest in a return to making cloth dolls is it's a little less intimidating than making the popular porcelain dolls, Bricker said.
Whatever the reason, a resurgence in cloth dollmaking has taken hold across the country. Cloth doll artists seem to have a sense of fun and humor in common as they mold their art.
Susan P. Hedrick, curator at a museum in Bellevue, Wash., writes of the tour, "Loads of imagination go into these wonderful creations - miles beyond what we might expect from a doll made from one of the most basic and taken-for-granted human creations - cloth.
"In Celebration of the Doll: The Figure in Cloth," will make its Utah premier in Salt Lake City at a three-day appearance at the Dollmakers Magic seminar May 30-June 1 at the Salt Lake City Hilton, 150 W. 500 South, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Cost is $5. The seminar will feature classes, exhibits and boutiques and "Show and Tell" night. Cloth doll artists from around the world will be in Salt Lake City for the three-day conference.
During the "Figure in Cloth" tour's stay at the McCurdy Doll Museum, a special tea party will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, June 15. Storytellers Lisa Arrington and Jean Marshall will present pioneer children's stories, music and games. Reservations are necessary and may be made by calling the museum at 377-9935.