We’re not talking child’s play when we speak of Dolls! I had the privilege of hosting/greeting for the opening of the new exhibition at the Hammonds House Galleries and Resource Center. The new exhibitions will leave you speechless and ready to run out and buy a few dolls- collector dolls,that is.

Made with Hands and Hearts: Quilts and Dolls from the collection of Beverly Guy-Sheftall Curator: M. Akua McDaniel, is a MUST see collection.

The collection of Beverly Guy-Sheftall is remarkable and extensive. The dolls alone (by Francine Haskin) had me memorized looking at the various intricate detailing and work. Nearly life-like in personality, you can feel the sass, confidence and- “no-joke” attitude from each. There is also a video of Ms Guy-Sheftall speaking about her collection, the time line she received them, how she feels about each and what they bring to her.

Some of the quilts displayed are: Out of the Sun and Circumcision Quilt- Penny Sisto, Daughter of the Great Goddess- Carolyn L. Mazloomi.  Talk about talent?!!! Being blessed with a gift?!! These quilts were certainly a God inspired creation.

After this event, I am seriously considering becoming a collector of some of the dolls (I’m not sure how that will work with my two little girls who would want to touch) . But I was wondering if it’s too late- Ms Guy-Sheftall started her collection in 1973! Surely a piece at that age is out of my budget… 🙁  however I think I will work towards at least one piece of Francine Haskin.

Upstairs in the house is a continuation of Quilts and Fibers:Keepers Of Ayida’s Rainbow: 7 Contemporary Quilt and Fiber Artists: Curator: Kevin Sipp

Artists:  Dandridge, Zelda Grant, Patricia Landry, K. Joy Peters, Linda Poindexter, Khalil Raghman, Janet Saboor. Personal collections from collector Robert Belcher

Go and be amazed! Some items are also on sale so you can begin your collection

Hammonds House Museum and Resource Center of African American Art: www.hammondshouse.org

In the mean time, I’m opting to collect work from some of our up coming local artists, which is a tough decision when you are weighing if they will have a value more than sentiment in the future.   Lillian Blades www.LillianBlades.com , a good friend and well known artists is one to collect and look out for. I’ll have a write up on her soon.