NIADA 2020 Conference & Dollmaking School at Arrowmont is cancelled due to the COVID-19 virus
Please note you do not have to request a Refund due to the cancellation of our 2020 NIADA Dollmaking School & Conference at Arrowmont. We will be refunding all deposits and registration monies via PayPal. This is a time consuming task.
If you have not received your refund in a reasonable amount of time please contact treasurer@niada.org
Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a national leader in contemporary arts and crafts education set in beautiful wooded, hilly natural surroundings. The spacious and well equipped studios, art supply store, auditorium, gallery and library is the perfect venue for our activities.
The 4 day conference includes programs, demonstrations, exhibitions, and the annual NIADA Artists Exhibition and Sale.
Conference Registration
What does my Conference fee cover?
Your Conference registration gives you access to:
+ Conference Programs
+ Keynote Presentation
+ Gallery Night Opening
+ Demos + Critiques
+ Visiting Artists Exhibition
+ Flea Market
+ Helper Drawing
+ NIADA Artists Exhibition & Sale
+ Conference Souvenir made by NIADA Artists
Conference and Critique Registration Form
After paying via PayPal you will be automatically sent back to this website to fill out the Conference, Critique and Dollmaking School 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 Lillian Hopkins.
By registering online you agree to our terms and conditions.
Cancellation Policy
For information regarding the student rate click on the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ button below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conference and School Contact Information
Conference Co-Chairs:
Larry Blount & Stephanie Blythe
Conference Registrar:
Lillian Hopkins registrar@niada.org
School Registrar:
Stephanie Blythe schoolregistrar@niada.org
Critique Registrar: Leslie O’Leary critique@niada.org
Paypal Liaison: Stephanie Blythe
Sign up to the Conference Chatline, and receive updates regarding the annual NIADA Conference and Dollmaking School.
Arrowmont Housing
Housing options include single, double, triple and dormitory rooms, with private or shared baths. All linens and towels are provided. Rooms are assigned on a first come, first served basis. Free campus-wide Wi-Fi service is available to guests.
There is only 1 apartment available on campus so you probably want to reserve one early if that is your choice.
There are 5 dorms on campus: All rooms are now air-conditioned (Room rates are per person/per day)
-New Dormitory is four stories, has an elevator and will offer private rooms and baths, a central gathering place, and a lovely screened in porch with fireplace. There is 1 apartment in the New Dorm.
ROOM RATE: All private bath, DBL – $75.00, SGL – $110.00
APT RATE: $175.00 p/day
-Red Barn (on Historical Register) is a renovated historic structure with air-conditioning. Red Barn has a coin operated washer and dryer. The 1st floor common area with fireplace and small refrigerator. The 2nd level has a common area with fireplace. It offers double, triple and dormitory style rooms accommodating 4 people, all with shared baths.
ROOM RATE: All shared rooms and bath, rates range from $30.00 to $40.00
-Teachers and Stuart Cottages: Teachers Cottage has a large screened in porch, and a common area with refrigerator. Stuart Cottage has a small common area with fireplace, kitchen, and coin laundry. They offer single, double and triple rooms, all with shared baths.
ROOM RATE: All shared bath, rates range from $40.00 to $60.00
Arrowmont is hilly, you are almost always walking up or down. It’s not steep and most activities will be in the Turner Building complex which is 2 stories with a ramp instead of stairs. If you feel you need assistance in navigating the terrain there will be electric scooters available for rent from an outside contractor.
RENTAL RATE: currently $30.00/day for 3+ days, $50.00 p/day or $12.00 p/hr. Information will be provided to order a rental on our website and/or when you talk to Arrowmont. Arrowmont will not place your order, and they will not be responsible for accidents or liability incurred.
Housing Registration
- NIADA Attendees will register for Meals and Housing directly through Arrowmont. Call 865-436-5860 ask for Arrowmont registrar, Tammy Loy, she will help you determine the best housing to suit your needs. Registration begins Jan 15, 2020.
- Full payment will be due on order.
- Full refund less $50.00 cancellation fee will be available if written cancellation is postmarked or emailed on or before July 10th. No refunds will occur after that date.
There are also several hotels within walking distance of the campus, people are welcome to arrange their own off-campus accommodations and meals. We recommend eating on campus because it is so convenient, especially when taking classes. Eating off-campus could be time-consuming since Gatlinburg is a tourist destination and may be crowded during this time of year.
Gatlinburg Hotel The Greystone Lodge on the River offers a 15% discount to people attending Arrowmont, mention this when making reservations.
Google Maps of nearby Hotels and Restaurants
Meal Plans
Meal plans are available whether staying on or off campus (rates below are per person). There will be no dinner served Sunday evening. Meals are basically meat, vegetables and dessert. They always have a nice salad and a variety of non-soda drinks. It’s always fresh and nicely prepared. If you are Vegetarian or have special meal needs talk to our Arrowmont registrar, Tammy Loy, for more information when making reservations.
Meal plan options are:
a. School only (Monday thru Wednesday) – $132.00
b. Conference only (Thursday thru Sunday lunch) – $169.00
c. Full week (Monday thru Sunday lunch) – $301.00
Single tickets:
d. Individual days Students can buy daily meals – $44.00 p/day
e. Guests of Conference attendees can buy individual Banquet tickets – $29.00 per person
Shipping packages to Arrowmont?
Please label your packages “in care of Larry Blount, NIADA Conference”, to be assured they all get to the same location. Make sure to put your name and contact information inside the box.
Free events open to the public
NIADA Artists Gallery Night
Thursday, August 13th @ 6:00-9:00pm
NIADA Artists Exhibition and Sale
Sunday, August 16th – 11:00am to 4:00pm
Both events are FREE – All are Welcome to attend
Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts
556 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
www.arrowmont.org
Conference Programs + Events
Conference Programs
Stephanie Blythe
Doll Tour in Japan
Stephanie Blythe spent 2 weeks in Japan on a doll tour led by Alan Scott Pate, an expert on antique Japanese dolls. The tour included visits to studios of some of Japan’s Doll masters working in both traditional and contemporary styles as well as museums devoted to dolls. She will discuss these artists as well as the prominent role dolls play in Japanese culture.
Billye Harris
A Tale of Two Sisters, The Maggie Bessie Doll Story
Maggie Bessie dolls were made in the 1890s thru the early 20th century. They were made by Margaret and Elizabeth Pfohl (Maggie and Bessie.) The sisters lived in the Moravian community of Old Salem, North Carolina. Maggie was a talented artist, she skillfully painted the dolls’ faces with portrait detail. Learn more about the quite difficult construction of this simple appearing cloth doll and the artistic genes of the Pfohl’s family. Some of their early work has influenced today’s cloth doll artists. Billye will be displaying several of these early “artist” dolls and presenting a program on their design and fabrication.
ABOUT BILLYE HARRIS
Billye Harris has proudly been an appraiser on PBS’s Antiques Roadshow since 2011. She has been buying and selling dolls since the 1990s from estates, private sales, auctions and trips to Europe. She has been a collector and lover of antiques and dolls since the age of five. Billye is a member of the United Federation of Doll Clubs (UFDC); the National Antique Doll Dealers Association; a Board member of the UFDC Doll Museum Collections Oversight Committee; and President of her local doll club. She is a member of the Queen Anne’s Revenge Doll Club of NC. Billye is a co-Administrator of the Friends of the UFDC Doll Museum Facebook Page, UFDC Region 8 Director, and the recipient of the 2017 UFDC Ralph Griffith Award of Excellence.
Adele Sciortino
Panel Discussion: Teaching in the Doll World
Moderator, Adele Sciortino, creator of a successful website of online classes and resources for dollmakers, will be joined by a panel of NIADA artists who have extensive experience in teaching dollmaking, from master classes and craft school workshops to online classes and pattern sales. They will address topics such as how to organize and promote workshops, fee structures, and how online teaching works, and will offer teaching advice, such as how to organize classes, kits, and materials, how to be an engaging teacher, and tips for making good printed patterns and instructions. Attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions for the panel to address.
Shelley Thornton
Shelley Thornton: Dolls, Animation, Exhibition
Shelley Thornton was honored with a solo show of her work at the Robert Hillestad Textiles Gallery at the University of Nebraska during the summer months of 2019. Her program will give you an overview of her dollmaking career, and take you on a virtual tour of her show, which exhibited a dozen dolls as well as a life-sized textile self-portrait and an animation that she created for a 30-foot-wide wall projection.
More programs will be added when confirmed
10 x 12 Program
Up to twelve Visiting Artists will have an opportunity to introduce their dolls to all NIADA Conference attendees in a special program in which each participant will show ten projected images of their work.
Each photo will be allotted twenty seconds for artists to add their description or commentary. If you are a Visiting Artist registering for the NIADA Conference, this is your chance to introduce your work to NIADA Artists and Patrons.
To register your interest, contact Shelley Thornton
NIADA Artists Demos
NIADA Artists Kate Church, Lesley Keeble, Sandra Oglesby, Anna Potapova, and Marlaine Verhelst will demonstrate some of their techniques and share invaluable information about their dollmaking process. See details about the DEMOS below.
Artist Membership Critique
If you are in the process of applying for NIADA Artist membership you must participate in an Artist Membership Critique as a component of your application process. This Critique is an opportunity to discuss what is required to become an Artist Member and will be conducted by three NIADA Artists. The fee for the Critique is $25.00.
Register for your Artist Membership Critique at the top of this page.
Visiting Artist Critique
All 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. Each Critique will be conducted by two NIADA Artists. The fee for each Critique is $25.00. You may bring up to three dolls to each critique and may bring along images to show your work if desired. 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.
Register for a Visiting Artist Critique at the top of this page.
Critique Exhibition
All 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 Leslie O’Leary, Critique Registrar.
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 recipients choice.
Apply for a NIADA Scholarship
Photographer: Robert Batey
Our conference photographer, Robert Batey, will be available Friday and Saturday. NIADA has commissioned one photo for each NIADA artist. Conference attendees may also schedule a time to have dolls photographed. The fee is $45 per doll, paid directly to the photographer. Sign-up at the Registration Desk.
Guest Vendor: Jennifer Osner
Jennifer Osner will be returning and selling antique & vintage textiles at the conference. Jennifer has been a textile merchant since 1978. She travels nationwide acquiring and selling, antique ribbon collections, lace, and other textiles. Her customers include milliners, doll costumers, designers, movie studios, and all types of artists and crafters. Etsy shops: ToLacewithLove.etsy.com ~ TextileArtLace.etsy.com ~ TheVelvetValet.etsy.com
Helpers
NIADA Helpers are donated dolls and doll-related items created by NIADA Artists or donated by NIADA Patrons, 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.
Contact the Conference Chairs listed above to register your interest.
Keynote Speaker
Keynote Speaker: Tom Haney
Figurative automata artist
About the Keynote
“I believe there’s a magical transformation that happens when a mechanical movement acts upon a static figure. This movement captures the viewer’s attention, and holds it to the point where they are drawn into interpreting the story that the piece conveys. They are not merely observers, but collaborators. Although some see my work as a reaction to today’s throwaway society, I approach it as a way to reconnect with the past. I cherish traditions, not trends. I love the old ways of doing things, old tools, and traditional techniques. To me, working with one’s hands still has value.”
Though 90% of Haney’s work involves kinetic figures, he also produces static figures and even smaller busts, concentrating on the faces, and personalities, of his subjects. Recently his work has expanded to include static abstract wooden sculptures, as well as kinetic rolling ball sculptures.
He’s made kinetic figurative work since 1994, and began working as a full-time artist in 2000. While he has shown in galleries and art shows from coast to coast, currently he works as an independent artist, and survives on his commission work. Haney’s artworks can be found in collections all over the US, in the UK, and Europe.
To see more of Tom’s artwork visit: tomhaney.com
Demonstrations by NIADA Artists
Kate Church
Transforming Polymer Clay
This demo will be about using colorants on polymer clay both before curing and after. After the demo there will be a Q & A about working with polymer clay, something I hope will be beneficial and interesting for those who have limited or no experience using this versatile material.
Anna Potapova
Introduction to Wet Felting
Anna will introduce students to the basics of wet felting, useful for artists to create clothes for dolls. She will talk about materials and tools, show how felt and various textures are created, and tell you the difference between felt for dolls and for people. Students can ask questions during the demo.
Sandra Oglesby
Painting Techniques
Sandra will be demonstrating a few techniques for painting on cradled wood panels which she uses as backdrops or bases in her work. The painting involves thin washes of acrylic paint, masking, and image transfers.
Lesley Keeble
Leather Boots Demystified
Using a clay foot, simple pattern and leather, decorative boots are easy to construct.
Marlaine Verhelst
Sculpting in Porcelain by Hand
I will show how I sculpt in porcelain by hand without the use of molds. I will make a hollow head out of porcelain and tell about the technique.
2020 Challenge Doll : “Origins”
Origins: All human societies have creation myths, or origin stories….stories about the power of DNA, and the diversity of evolved organisms. Our stories may be different but serve a similar point and have brought us to similar creative paths as makers of handmade art dolls. Whether various cultures view their first ancestors as human, males, females, animals or other mythical beings we are curious about how we became the person we are, where our pedigree began and how our origins are linked to DNA.
And what about the origins of the objects we make? What part did ancient dolls play in the development of arts and culture in the long history of humans making objects for rituals, protection, magic and play?
The 2020 challenge is to summon your Clio (history) muse and share your origin narrative using the history of dolls or your ancestral heritage and influences, legends, myths, fables, parables or vignettes.
About the Challenge Doll
A challenge doll is an artistic exploration of how each individual interprets and represents the theme. This theme may be well-defined or merely a phrase. Each participant renders his or her work, in this case, honoring the doll making tradition, and submits it for exhibition at the Conference. Submitted dolls should be all original designs and completely fabricated by the artist using any material.
Dolls must be no larger than 24″ in diameter and must not exceed 30″ in height.
The “Origins” Challenge dolls will be on display during the Conference. We look forward to seeing your interpretation in August!
NIADA Souvenir Doll Artists
The 2020 Conference Souvenir will again be made by a variety of NIADA Artists.
We think that you will be pleasantly surprised!
Below are a few of the souvenirs from past conferences
Tentative 2020 Conference Schedule
| TIME |
PROGRAM/EVENT |
ROOM |
| (N) 9:00–12:00pm | NIADA Artist Meeting | To Be Announced |
| (N) 12:00–1:00pm | NIADA Members luncheon | To Be Announced |
| (N) 1:15–3:30pm | NIADA Patron Meeting | To Be Announced |
| 10:00–11:00am | Conference registration | To Be Announced |
| 11:00–12:00pm | Jennifer Osner Antique Textiles | To Be Announced |
| 4:00–5:00pm | Gallery Night setup, Helper setup* | To Be Announced |
| 4:00pm–5:00pm | Conference registration | To Be Announced |
| 6:00–9:00pm | NIADA ARTISTS GALLERY NIGHT | To Be Announced |
< Swipe LR on small screens >
Events are open to ALL attendees unless noted (N) NIADA Members only
*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 |
ROOM |
| 9:00am–4:00pm | PROGRAM: Presenter Name – Title of Program | To Be Announced |
| 9:00am–4:00pm | PROGRAM: Presenter Name – Title of Program | To Be Announced |
| 9:00am–4:00pm | PROGRAM: Presenter Name – Title of Program | To Be Announced |
| 9:00am–4:00pm | EXHIBIT: Visiting Artist Critique | To Be Announced |
| 9:00am–4:00pm | LUNCH | To Be Announced |
| 9:00am–4:00pm | DEMOS: Presenter Name – Title of Program | To Be Announced |
| 1:00pm–5:00pm | PROGRAM: Presenter Name – Title of Program | To Be Announced |
| 7:00pm–10:00pm | PROGRAM: Presenter Name – Title of Program | To Be Announced |
< Swipe LR on small screens >
Events are open to ALL attendees unless noted (N) NIADA Members only
*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 |
ROOM |
| 9:00am–4:00pm | PROGRAM: Presenter Name – Title of Program | To Be Announced |
| 9:00am–4:00pm | PROGRAM: Presenter Name – Title of Program | To Be Announced |
| 9:00am–4:00pm | PROGRAM: Presenter Name – Title of Program | To Be Announced |
| 9:00am–4:00pm | EXHIBIT: Visiting Artist Critique | To Be Announced |
| 9:00am–4:00pm | LUNCH | To Be Announced |
| 9:00am–4:00pm | DEMOS: Presenter Name – Title of Program | To Be Announced |
| 1:00pm–5:00pm | PROGRAM: Presenter Name – Title of Program | To Be Announced |
| 7:00pm–10:00pm | PROGRAM: Presenter Name – Title of Program | To Be Announced |
< Swipe LR on small screens >
Events are open to ALL attendees unless noted (N) NIADA Members only
*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 |
ROOM |
| 8:00am–10:00am | NIADA Artists Exhibition setup* | To Be Announced |
| (N) 10:00am–11:00am | EXHIBIT: Open to NIADA Patrons | To Be Announced |
| 11:00am–4:00pm | EXHIBIT: NIADA Artists Exhibition & Sale | To Be Announced |
| 4:00pm–5:00pm | Tear down NIADA Artists Exhibition* | To Be Announced |
| (N) 6:00pm–8:00pm | NIADA Officers Board Meeting | To Be Announced |
< Swipe LR on small screens >
Events are open to ALL attendees unless noted (N) NIADA Members only
* 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!
Conference & Dollmaking School Venue
Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts
556 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
All are welcome! Membership is NOT required to attend the Conference or the Dollmaking School.
Sign-up for updates
ABOUT ARROWMONT:
Arrowmont School is a national leader in contemporary arts and crafts education set in beautiful wooded, hilly natural surroundings. The spacious and well equipped studios, art supply store, auditorium, gallery and library will be perfect for our classes, programs and activities. Campus housing has air-conditioned rooms, private or adjoining shared baths, a sitting area with television, and large comfortable screened in porches for casual gatherings. Each day we will eat all meals together in the campus dining room. They are served buffet style, with a large selection including vegetarian choices. The atmosphere is sure to add greatly to the intimacy of our events. For more information, see www.arrowmont.org
ABOUT GATLINBURG:
Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a place that will capture your heart and imagination. This tourist destination is nestled in the middle of the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There is much to see and do while visiting Gatlinburg. The Arts & Crafts Trolley will take you to visit 120 artists and craftspeople with studios and shops in a convenient 8-mile loop. The Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is located just across the street from Arrowmont. Take a ride on the Aerial Tramway for a beautiful view of the Smokies and Gatlinburg. All of this and many more attractions are in close proximity to the school. For more information and Travel Guides see www.gatlinburg-tennessee.com or www.attractions-gatlinburg.com
GETTING to ARROWMONT
TRAVELING BY CAR:
Traffic lights in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are numbered, each city having its own numbers. Arrowmont is located between traffic lights #3 & #5 in Gatlinburg (there is no traffic light #4). The entrance has a brown wooden sign with white lettering and is located on the left past the Hard Rock Café if driving from the North and will be on the right past Arrowcraft Shop if traveling from the National Park from the South. If traveling through Sevierville and Pigeon Forge, expect long traffic delays during peak travel season. Alternate routes are available at the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce website. www.gatlinburg.com/plan/guides-itineraries/
TRAVELING BY AIR:
Arrowmont has contracted a shuttle service from Knoxville McGhee Tyson Airport, located 45 miles from campus. Reservations must be made in advance. Call Rocky Top Tours (877-315-8687 and ask for Linda Hall) to make reservations at least two weeks prior to your workshop. Rental Cars are also available at the airport.
DRIVING FROM McGHEE TYSON AIRPORT:
– US-129 south to Maryville / Alcoa
– US-411 North to Townsend
– US-321 North to Smoky Mountains
– TN-35 South / TN-35 becomes US-411 / TN-35
– Right onto US-411 / US-441
– Right onto US-441
– US-441 becomes US-321 N / US-441 south
– Right onto US-411 / TN-71
Shipping packages to Arrowmont?
Please label your packages “in care of Larry Blount, NIADA Conference”, to be assured they all get to the same location. Make sure to put your name and contact information inside the box.
