Join us virtually for
About the annual NIADA Conference
The NIADA Conference is a wonderful opportunity for artists, collectors, and everyone interested in the expanding world of doll art to experience the cutting edge of this dynamic art form. The conference offers attendees opportunities to meet like-minded people, to inspire and be inspired. NIADA membership is not required to attend, just passion for the art of the doll.
2023 Conference Registration is CLOSED
Join NIADA as Patron or Associate and register for the Conference with the Member discount
Patron and Associate Members receive benefits such as:
+ Reduced Conference registration rate
+ Reduced Academy LIVE Dollmaking School course fees
+ An invitation to the annual Members’ luncheon
+ Early admission to NIADA Exhibitions
+ Attend the Members’ yearly business meeting
Click the button below for information
Become a Patron or Associate Member
Installment Plan
Pay in full or request our 3 payment installment plan
Click on the button below if you would like to register for the conference using our installments of 3 payments.
A scheduled invoice will be sent to your email with automatic reminders when payment is due.
NIADA Member 3 payments
$110.00 / $90.00 / $90.00
Member Registration 3 Installment Plan
Non-Member 3 payments
$125.00 / $100.00 / $100.00
Non-Member Registration 3 Installment Plan
Conference and Critique
Registration Form
After paying via PayPal you will be automatically sent to fill out the Conference and Critique Registration form.
– You must register for the Conference in order to undertake a Critique.
– If you wish to pay by check, please contact the Conference Registrar
Your Conference registration gives you access to:
+ Programs + Keynote Presentation
+ Demos + Critiques
+ Visiting Artists’ Exhibition
+ Challenge Doll Participation
+ Flea Market
+ Helper Drawing
+ Banquet dinner
+ NIADA Artists Exhibition & Sale
+ Conference Souvenir made by a NIADA Artist
Hotel Reservations
Charlotte Marriott SouthPark
2200 Rexford Road, Charlotte
North Carolina, USA, 28211
Room rates: July 12 to July 15 only
$169 standard king
$189 double w/ 2 queen beds
Reservations Link:
Book NIADA 2023 Conference Rate
Hotel rate deadline JUNE 23
NIADA Contact Information
Conference Co-Chairs:
Gracie Coleman, Gayle Griffith,
Cindee Moyer confchairs@niada.org
Conference Registrar:
Lillian Hopkins registrar@niada.org
Critique Registrar:
Tatiana Baeva critique@niada.org
Challenge Doll: Nadia Yukhanova
Academy LIVE Co-coordinators: AcademyLIVE@niada.org
Marlaine Verhelst, Ann Hord-Heatherley
PayPal coordinator/Course registrar: Stephanie Blythe
By registering online you agree to our terms and conditions.
Cancellation Policy
Conference Programs + Events
NIADA LIVE Dollmaking School
The NIADA LIVE Dollmaking School offers courses for anyone wishing to learn dollmaking techniques from NIADA Artists. Courses are taught for all skill levels in techniques such as sculpting, painting, fabric-figure making, textile design, armature design, costuming and more. Conference registration is not required to attend NIADA LIVE Dollmaking School.
2023 LIVE Dollmaking School Dates
Sunday afternoon July 16th through Tuesday evening July 18th, 2023
Dollmaking School Location
First Community Center, 215 5th Street, Spencer, NC 28159
For those attending the NIADA Conference, transportation will be provided Sunday from the Charlotte Marriott SouthPark hotel
Visiting Artist Critique
All Visiting Artists are welcome to register for a Visiting Artist Critique. This is a great opportunity to discuss your dollmaking goals, troubleshoot technical issues and develop your work under the guidance of NIADA Artists. You may bring a selection of dolls to be critiqued, each Critique will be conducted by two NIADA Artists. The fee for each Critique is $45. You are welcome to suggest a NIADA Artist you would like to critique your work, and we will do our best to meet your request. If we cannot, we will assign you a NIADA Artist most relevant to your dollmaking aspirations.
If you are in the process of applying for NIADA Artist membership you must participate in Visiting Artist Critique as a component of your application process. This Critique is an opportunity to discuss what is required to become an Artist Member.
Register for a Visiting Artist Critique at the top of this page.
Critique Exhibition
All Visiting Artists registered for a Critique are invited to exhibit their dolls at the Critique Exhibition for Conference attendees to view. If you have any questions please contact the Critique Registrar Tatiana Baeva critique@niada.org
2023 Doll Challenge – ‘Queens’
‘Let your imagination reign’
A challenge doll is an artistic exploration of how each individual interprets and represents the chosen theme, which may be well-defined or merely a phrase. By participating in the 2023 Doll Challenge you will have an opportunity to share your interpretation of this year’s theme, ‘Queens’ and a great way to be involved in the Conference. Each participant should create their work honoring the dollmaking tradition and submit it for exhibition at the Conference. Submitted dolls should be all original designs and completely fabricated by the artist using any material.
The Challenge dolls will be on display at the Conference. Dolls must be no larger than 24″ in diameter and must not exceed 30″ in height. This is open to all attendees. For information contact the Challenge Doll Coordinator Nadia Yukhanova
The 10 x 12 Program
The 10 X 12 program is a slideshow featuring ten dolls from up to twelve participants including visiting artists, NIADA Associates, or NIADA Patrons. The first twelve to submit images of their work will have the opportunity to introduce their dolls to all NIADA Conference attendees. In this special program, each artist presents a slideshow of ten images of his or her work and is allotted twenty seconds per image to present verbal description or commentary. All registered to attend the conference are welcome to submit images, you can indicate your interest when you register for the Conference.
To register your interest, contact Shelley Thornton
Helpers
NIADA Helpers (not to be confused with Volunteers) are donated dolls and doll-related items created by NIADA Artists or donated by NIADA members, which will be raffled to the registrants. There will be time to peruse the items and purchase tickets during the course of each day. Occasionally new items arrive after the Helper Room has started displaying so be sure to check back often. The Helper winners will be drawn at the Saturday night banquet.
Flea Market
The “Flea Market” is open to all conference attendees to purchase all sorts of items often at Bargain prices. You will find fabrics, trims, buttons, and unusual, hand-crafted items that will delight and get those creative juices flowing! Conference attendees can also register to sell items at the flea market, but please note the only Dolls to be on sale at the conference are by NIADA Artists. You may sell items such as fabrics, trims, notions, doll-making accessories, buttons, beads hand-crafted items, and wearable art (pins, necklaces, etc.). If you are interested in participating as a Flea Market vendor, you will need to register no later than June 15.
To register your interest, contact Valerie Gladstone Coordinator/Flea Market
Scholarships
NIADA offers two scholarships to visiting Artists to help them to attend the NIADA conference. The Helen Bullard Scholarship recipient is awarded a free Conference registration. The Susanna Oroyan Memorial Scholarship helps to cover extra expenses and/or pay for a Dollmaking Class of the recipient’s choice.
Apply for a NIADA Scholarship.
NIADA Members & Friends,
Sixty years ago, our founders pioneered the creation of our vibrant, global organization with the goal to recognize original, handmade dolls as fine art. Through the dedicated efforts of our members to nurture the vision of the founders, we have achieved 60 years of excellence. In recognition of NIADA’s Diamond Anniversary, a few members expressed the desire to participate in a tangible way. We want to include everyone as we strive to make the dreams of our founders become memories for each of us.
Your name will be listed in the anniversary souvenir booklet as a lasting keepsake of the part you will play in marking the 60th anniversary. Whether you can attend the Diamond Jubilee Conference or not, there is a way that you can participate in commemorating this significant milestone with a donation to NIADA’s continued growth and programming.
This opportunity to contribute is not limited to NIADA members, and we encourage you to share this with family and friends. To be included in the souvenir booklet please make your contribution by June 1, 2023
We are offering the opportunity for all to contribute at two sponsorship levels:
$60.00 Emerald Sponsor
Emeralds symbolize new beginnings, embody unity, compassion, and unconditional love. Many thanks to our Emerald sponsors.
Donate one dollar for each year since NIADA was founded. For this affordable option, your name will be memorialized in a Diamond Anniversary souvenir program, and a copy of the program mailed to those not attending the conference, by request. Your name will also be listed on the NIADA website.
| Emerald 60th Anniversary Sponsors | |||||
| Stephanie Blythe | Laurel Breitkopf | Bonnie Flint | Theresa May | Susan Nile | Lana Russeck |
| Larry Blount | Diana Rew | Doris Edwards | Ann and Trish Hord-Heatherley | Nancy Pennell | Juanita Zientara |
$1963.00 Ruby Sponsor
Rubies are second only to diamonds in their brilliance but are rarer than diamonds.
A tribute to NIADA’s founding year 1963, Ruby sponsors will be listed in the 60th Anniversary souvenir program with your brief personal words of congratulations to NIADA on its 60th anniversary. In addition, your name will be listed on the NIADA website.
Ruby sponsors names will be placed in a drawing (drawn during the banquet) to win a Teacup Fairy doll by Stephanie Blythe. One winner only. You do not have to be present to win.
| Ruby Sponsors | |||||
| Gracie Coleman | Cindee Moyer | ||||
$5000.00 Diamond Jubilee Sponsor 
Diamonds are the most treasured stone, and are associated with strength, love, long lives, and health.
For information only: The Diamond Jubilee category was reserved for a single sponsor, Atrium Health’s Levine Children’s Hospital, our partner in a joint anniversary project.
Your continued support and commitment over the years is deeply appreciated, and we thank you for considering this request.
| TIME | PROGRAM – EVENT | LOCATION |
| 10:00am-9:00pm | Jennifer Osner Textiles – Fine antique and vintage textiles for sale: ribbons, lace, trims, notions & unique textiles | Rexford B |
| 4:00pm | Guest Room Check-In | Marriott Check-In Desk |
| 5:00pm–6:00pm | Early Registration | Terrace Ballroom Entrance |
| 6:00pm-7:30pm | Get Together – Informal social time | Outside Terrace: Terrace Ballroom |
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The Terrace Ballroom has a private outdoor terrace where attendees may take breaks and enjoy each other’s company.
Note: Any food or beverages consumed on the private terrace must be purchased from the hotel.
Events are open to ALL attendees unless noted [N] NIADA Artist, Associate, Patron Members
* HELP! VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED!
We welcome and encourage all registrants who would like to get involved with the Conference to pitch in where needed.
Extra hands are always appreciated!
| TIME | PROGRAM – EVENT | LOCATION |
| 8:00am–12:00pm 8:00am – Depart Marriott 11:00am – Depart Doll Museum |
ACTIVITY: Travel & Tour: NC Museum of Dolls, Toys & Miniatures – Spencer, NC – $4 entry fee |
Meet at Marriott entrance by rocking chairs |
| 9:00am-5:00pm | Jennifer Osner Textiles | Rexford B |
| 12:00pm–12:30pm | Conference Registration | Terrace Ballroom entrance |
| [N] 12:30pm–2:00pm | Member Luncheon – Artists, Patrons, Associate Members | Terrace Ballroom – Buffet Lunch |
| [N] 2:30pm–4:00pm | All Member Business Meeting – Artists, Patrons, Associate Members | Terrace Ballroom |
| 4:00pm–5:00pm | Conference Registration | Terrace Ballroom entrance |
| 5:00pm-7:00pm | Conference Opening – High Tea GUEST SPEAKER: Natalie Simmons – Milliner, Carolina Millinery Co. – Pinkie fingers up or down. Hats on or hats off. Come in your unique tea party style. |
Terrace Ballroom |
| 7:00pm-8:00pm | EVENT: Carolina Millinery Hat Sale | Terrace Ballroom |
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The Terrace Ballroom has a private outdoor terrace where attendees may take breaks and enjoy each other’s company.
Note: Any food or beverages consumed on the private terrace must be purchased from the hotel.
Events are open to ALL attendees unless noted [N] NIADA Artist, Associate, Patron Members
* HELP! VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED!
We welcome and encourage all registrants who would like to get involved with the Conference to pitch in where needed.
Extra hands are always appreciated!
| TIME | PROGRAM – EVENT | LOCATION |
| 8:30am–9:00am | Late Conference Registration | Terrace Ballroom entrance |
| 8:00am-4:00pm | Jennifer Osner Textiles | Rexford B |
| 9:00am–10:15am | PROGRAM: Rich Traditions, New Ideas – Cindee Moyer, NIADA President | Terrace Ballroom |
| 10:15am–10:30am | BREAK before Keynote Presentation | |
| 10:30am–12:00pm | KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Moving Sculptures – Tom Haney, automata artist |
Terrace Ballroom |
| 12:00pm–1:30pm | LUNCH on your own | |
| 1:30pm–2:00pm | PROGRAM: Fiber from Out at Jupiter Farm – Ann & Trish Hord-Heatherley | Terrace Ballroom |
| 2:00pm–3:30pm | DEMOS: Demonstrations of tips and techniques by NIADA Artists |
Terrace Ballroom |
| 3:45pm–4:45pm | SETUP: NIADA Artists Gallery & Show * | Morrison Foyer |
| 5:00pm–6:00pm | EXHIBIT: VIP Early Entry to Gallery & Show – open to Patron, Associate, Artist Members Only | Morrison Foyer: Cash bar, Tapas |
6:00pm–10:00pm |
EXHIBIT: NIADA Artists – Gallery & Show This event combines the traditional Gallery Night with the Show & Sale. Presented by: Diamond Sponsor – Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital – Open to all Conference Attendees & the Public SPECIAL FEATURE: Children At Play |
Morrison Foyer |
< Swipe LR on small screens >
The Terrace Ballroom has a private outdoor terrace where attendees may take breaks and enjoy each other’s company.
Note: Any food or beverages consumed on the private terrace must be purchased from the hotel.
Events are open to ALL attendees unless noted [N] NIADA Artist, Associate, Patron Members
* HELP! VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED!
We welcome and encourage all registrants who would like to get involved with the Conference to pitch in where needed.
Extra hands are always appreciated!
| TIME | PROGRAM – EVENT | LOCATION |
| 8:30am–10:30am | NIADA Associate & Visiting Artist Critiques Terrace Talk: Share conversations & fun activities with NIADA Artists |
Terrace Ballroom |
| 9:00am–2:00pm | Helpers Sales: Purchase raffle tickets for new and gently used donated dolls and related items | Terrace Ballroom |
| 10:30am–11:30am | PROGRAM: EJ Taylor Tribute & In Memoriam – Shelley Thornton, NIADA Artist | Terrace Ballroom |
| 11:30am–12:00pm | VIDEO: Seacrest Studios, Levine Children’s Hospital – Presentation, Lesley Keeble, NIADA Artist | Terrace Ballroom |
| 12:00pm–1:30pm | LUNCH on your own | |
| 1:00pm–1:30pm | SETUPS: Challenge, Critique & 10×12 Exhibits, Flea Market * | Terrace Ballroom |
| 1:30pm–3:30pm | EXHIBITS: “Queens” Challenge Dolls Conference attendees who signup will display their interpretation of the theme Critique Dolls Those registered for Critiques are invited to display their work 10×12 Dolls Attendees who have registered to share their work in a slideshow presentation will display some of their work “live” FLEA MARKET Purchase bargain-priced fabrics, trims, buttons, beads, etc. from NIADA artists and conference attendees who sign-up |
Terrace Ballroom |
| 3:30pm–6:00pm | BREAK before the Banquet | |
| 6:00pm–10:00pm | DIAMOND JUBILEE BANQUET: Awards, Helper Drawings, Souvenirs Special Musical Performance by: The Living Dolls |
Terrace Ballroom |
< Swipe LR on small screens >
The Terrace Ballroom has a private outdoor terrace where attendees may take breaks and enjoy each other’s company.
Note: Any food or beverages consumed on the private terrace must be purchased from the hotel.
Events are open to ALL attendees unless noted [N] NIADA Artist, Associate, Patron Members
* HELP! VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED!
We welcome and encourage all registrants who would like to get involved with the Conference to pitch in where needed.
Extra hands are always appreciated!
| TIME | PROGRAM – EVENT | LOCATION |
| TBD | Dollmaking School Transport to Spencer | Marriott Front Entrance – by the rocking chairs |
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GETTING HERE
Charlotte Marriott SouthPark
2200 Rexford Road, Charlotte
North Carolina, USA, 28211
Tel: +1 704-364-8220 Web: Hotel website
Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Distance From Property: 10.4 Miles
Phone Number: +1 704-359-4913
Go to Airport Website
Airport to Hotel
