AMP: Artists' Meeting Place and Resource Collective

*32nd Annual Black Doll Exhibit - **December 8, 2012** – **January 26 , 2013
***

*Space is the Place*

*Call for Dolls*

The William Grant Arts Center is in the process of selection for its 32nd
annual Black Doll Show. This year’s show is “Space is the Place”. We are
interested in Dolls, Paintings, Textile Arts (quilts, clothing, etc..),
Sculpture, and more that explores our futuristic theme.

*History*

The Black doll show was inspired by a doll test conducted by Mamie and
Kenneth Clark. The tests concluded that due to social stigmas, many black
children preferred white dolls over black dolls. This test went on to
become evidence in civil rights law suits. The Clarks became expert
witnesses in Brown vs. Board of education and helped the landmark decision
to desegregate schools. This doll test was conducted again in 2006 by 17
year old filmmaker Kiri Davis, sadly with the same results.

Inspired by the doll test, artist / curator Cecil Fergerson started the
Black Doll show in the 80s. Wanting to change the negative self-image,
Fergerson brought together hand made dolls by artists around the country
into one exhibit. Through its many transformations, the Black Doll Show has
been a celebration of black dolls from slavery, Jim Crow, freedom marches,
music, dance, jazz, hip-hop and more.

*Theme*

This year’s theme, “Space is the Place”, was chosen by curator, Cheryl
Williams. Based in the future, we can explore how our bodies may evolve,
mutate, become hybridized, genetically altered, etc. through dolls, etc…

This year we are also interested in drawings, painting, short stories,
poetry, etc. with a futuristic theme.

Intake dates of dolls are November 20-21,and 23-24. 12-5pm. Please contact
the center at 323-734-1165 or e-mail: ana.cornejo@lacity.org

*Criteria*

All doll are on loan specifically for the exhibit. Artists will have the
opportunity to sell their dolls or just display them. We would like dolls
that depict people of color in particular African people in the diaspora.
We are interested in dolls that uplift and work to enlighten our collective
image of people of color everywhere, China, Mexico, Indonesia, Egypt,
Haiti, etc….We would like as many hand made artist dolls as possible, but
also take collectible commercial dolls.

The William Grant Still Arts Center

2520 S. West View St.

Los Angeles, CA. 90016

The William Grant Still Arts Center is a facility of the city of Los Angeles,
Department of Cultural Affairs

--
Director
William Grant Still Arts Center
2520 S. Westview st.
Los Angeles, ca. 90016
323-734-1165

http://www.facebook.com/william.g.artscenter

from LA Culture Net