Category: IADR Convention - INTERNATIONAL ART DOLL REGISTRY

INTERNATIONAL ART DOLL REGISTRY

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What an Adventure...

5/13/2026

What an adventure this past couple of weeks have been in Florence, Italy. Beginning with our setup at the Fortezza Da Basso (Fortress of Basso) and then nine days with the 90th MIDA Florence International Crafts Fair and now setting up for the International Art Doll Registry Art Doll Convention in the Hotel Albani Firenze.

There is a lot of work that goes into creating a convention and I am lucky to have such a great group of artists to work with to make this year's convention happen.

From Fiber Artists to Polymer and more the artists all came together to make a gallery of amazing artwork that surprised several of the visitors who were delighted to see this expression of passion and love for dolls.

For myself, I am always delighted when the new artists who joined us this year, come up and say how happy they were to have been a part of this event.

Some have said that they feel like they have been welcomed into an atmosphere of being in a family that is encouraging and loving as we all share our connections to our dolls.

But, now it is time to pack up and return home. **Remember ladies to please send me your pictures that we can share them with others through the ARTDOLLS Magazine and here on the website**.

And yes, we are already planning our convention for next year. We hope that you can be a part of it by attending or supporting us with your likes and shares as this convention comes together for 2027.

We also want to welcome to the IADR new members - Sabrina Negro and Caterina Seoli.

Come and Gone...

5/5/2026

MIDA - We came, we conquered and now it is time to be looking forward to our IADR Art Doll Convention on May 8-10, 2026 (still in Florence, Italy).

But everyone wants to know if MIDA was worth the time and effort? It certainly didn't go as I had planned but it went as it should have gone. What do I mean?

Without having a VAT (like a permit to sell in Italy combination sales tax) which we are still waiting to get (but that is another story), it is hard to decide.

We could only display our dolls - not offer any for purchase, but actually, that was a blessing in disguise. I can't tell you how many people came through the booth to talk to us and share their stories.

MIDA was 9 days of sharing our love of dolls with the crowd. I am so grateful to Maria Ciobanu, Claudia Raddi, and Loredana Salvo for being there during the week. This event wouldn't have been as successful if they hadn't changed their schedules.

People were amazed at the artistry of the dolls and one such doll collector who collected only pieces that emotionally move her was in awe by ALL of the amazing art she saw. The woman with her was actually brought to tears. There is no way this would have worked as well by trying to sell the dolls at the same time. An artist always is the best one to sell their own work and the space would have not accommodated this. Again, this was a learning curve and that is exactly what we are going to look at when determining how successful MIDA was for us.

In the meantime, we are forging new friendships. Stevi T and Natalie Ruiz (both IADR members from the USA) have arrived to participate in MIDA and the Convention. It will be interesting to see and this is the true test --- will people come to our IADR Art Doll Convention from hearing about us at MIDA? We handed out about 600 to 700 bookmarkers and flyers.

Stevie T and Maria Ciobanu

Thank you to Claudia Raddi and Anna Esposito for getting those printed so we could give them out.

Now MIDA is at an end and we are ready to meet up again at the IADR Art Doll Convention this weekend. If you can't be there in person, do try to see some of our LIVE stream videos (sorry in advance as I am still on a learning curve on how to do them *smile*) and also check out our YouTube channel as I hope to share some of the MIDA event happenings on there soon.

Also, thank you to everyone that helped set-up the MIDA event, the days working the booth, and helping with the take down. Claudia and her husband were very valuable in taking the dolls after the event in their car because that 15 minute walk to the apartment gets long indeed after nine days (carrying dolls and in the dark after 10:00 pm). Thank you Everyone!

And remember, our IADR Convention will be held at the Hotel Albani Firenze in Florence, Italy and we still have tickets available for the ART & APERITIVO Night Event and Juried Show Awards. (To read more - click here). See you there!

It's Fixed!!!

4/20/2026

Yeah! The Glitch should now be fixed. When you are on the IADR website and submitting for a juried show or your Artist's Studio page... and you were wondering if your submission went through, this image should now pop up telling you that your submission went through.

Actually the page will look more like the image below but the hearts were to get your attention and to let you know we appreciate your patience as we worked through this glitch. -- Now not to say it still doesn't hurt to contact me to give me a heads up when submitting.

But hopefully this will help take away some of the fustration and confusion. So when submitting, now look for this image. If you have any questions email me at [email protected].

Also a Shortcut has been created on the IADR website. This shortcut is so that you can have easier access to the forms for submitting anything to the ART DOLL Magazine.

Why should you care? Well, if it is a new doll you wish to showcase, a tutorial you would like to share or even an article about an event you attended... all of those are free to post in the ART DOLLS Magazine. That is FREE advertising to you!!

Go to the IADR website and when you see the ART DOLLS Magazine in the header, you will have the option to go directly to the magazine OR click on the "How to Submit" tab.

Then decide what you are submitting and click on appropriate form. Here is the link to the new page for the forms for submitting to the ART DOLLS Magazine - https://www.international-art-doll-registry.com/how-to-submit.html.

There is still time to purchase your ticket! Come spend a wonderful evening with us, where you can personally visit with talented artists, hear the stories behind their creations, and enjoy a tempting selection of appetizers in a warm, inviting setting in the ballroom of the Albani Firenze Hotel.

It’s the perfect chance to connect, be inspired, and share in the creative spirit. Then, relax and enjoy a captivating presentation from the IADR's special guest speaker Fiber Artist, Stevi T (Stephanie Tiongco) from the United States that you won’t want to miss which is then followed up with our Juried Show Awards Presentation. As we draw close to the end of the evening, there is still more! You can be among the first to experience an exclusive preview of stunning one-of-a-kind dolls by our doll artists following the program. If you are a registered participant for the IADR Art Doll Convention you aleady have receive one ticket with your registration.

It’s the perfect ending to a memorable night and a rare chance to experience the artistry before the public viewing begins. To purchase a ticket click here.

Are You In...

4/7/2026

Are you in the mood to be in Florence, Italy yet? If not, this great post with Giusy Di Rocco's doll - La mia terra - My Land, might just make you wish to be there.

So yes, the ART DOLLS Magazine will be at the IADR Art Doll Convention May 8th - 10th and we will also be part of the 90th anniversary of MIDA. MIDA is a huge festival in Florence that promotes the creativity and artistry in Italy and around the world.

Why was the International Art Doll Registry was accepted at MIDA? It is because we too help in promoting artistry from around the world.

If you aren't going to be at the Art Doll Convention or MIDA, how does this help you? As I said, the IADR will be promoting the doll artist's that will be there. Part of that promotion includes having QR codes next to their dolls. Those QR codes will be directing potential buyers and interested people back to the IADR Artist's Studio pages.

It has been proven every time we attract people to the IADR Artist's Studio page, people never look at just one artist. So, even if you can't be at the Art Doll Convention or MIDA, you can still be seen through your own Artist's Studio page.

Is your page updated with your latest creation? Now is the time to do it before our April-May activities. There is the Artist's Submission form on the member's only side of the website for your use. Also if you wish to add or update a doll already on your Artist's Page, just contact me at [email protected].

Also these cool bookmarkers designed by Anna Esposito will be handed out promoting our IADR Art Doll Convention. English on one side - Italian on the other side. Thank you to Patriza Cozzo and Maria D'Anna for their contributions too.

This year's May Juried Show is an in-person event at the convention (where the doll must be present) with the theme being Myths and Legends. Non-members can participate with a small fee. This event is open to Sculpted art and Fiber art. Come join us at the Hotel Albani Firenze for a fabulous evening of food, festivity, and art.

Lets welcome Margaret Aslanis Nystrom to the IADR. She is a mixed medium of wood and porcelain doll artist from North Carolina here in the USA.

We can’t wait to see your beautiful dolls and creations!

Drum Roll, Please...

3/23/2026

What an exciting week! Let's begin with a drum roll please as we acknowledge those entries that wowed and inspired us by submitting their entry for the 2026 Winter Blue juried show.

You can see all the entries in the Winter Blue video on our YouTube channel and the winners are posted on the Award page of our website. The winners of this show received a free year's membership with the IADR.

Our next juried show will be in Florence, Italy with the theme Myths and Legends at the IADR Convention. This is the one show of the year that is an "in person" show. You do not need to be a member of the IADR to enter, but there is a small registration fee if you are not registered for the convention.

Check out the juried show information under the 2026 Art Doll Convention to learn more about this upcoming show.

And the other exciting news... drum rolls again! The new fresh look to our magazine is now called ART DOLLS Magazine.

This process came about quickly and we have certainly been burning the late night oil with this issue but we are very proud of how it turned out.

As an IADR member you can still download this magazine from the IADR website for your convenience. The magazine took on a life of it's own and now has it's own website www.artdollsmagazine.com.

This magazine is where we are blending the best of both worlds from DOLLS and the IADR. As I said, this issue was a fast melting pot of combining and is an ongoing process. Keep tuned in as we continue to expand as we share to other doll lovers and collectors.

Going forward with the ART DOLLS Magazine it will continue to be available also in Italian. We are working on another language, but will let you know more on that later (*smiling*).

REMINDER - The Last 2026 IADR Convention Planning Meeting is on
April 1st, 2026

End of Winter???

2/3/2026

I don't know if the groundhog saw his shadow or not to let us know if it is the end of Winter but it is the end of the Winter Blue Instagram game.

This week's winner of the Sponsor's gift is Azzurra Brogi. She wins the sponsor gift from Lesley Duthie of a tutorial to make needlefelting shoes for dolls. Congratulations Azzurra!

Also, would like to thank Anna Esposito, Giusy Di Rocco, and Adelaide Santini for being generous with their time and talent as they shared their Sponsor's gifts in the Winter Blue Instagram Game.

Wow! Can't believe it but we actually had a tie this year for the overall winner for the best supporter of the Winter Blue Instagram game. A Big Thank You goes out to Annalisa Borroni and Azzurra Brogi as active participants and overall supporters in the Winter Blue game. They will be receiving a shout-out thank you in the next issue of the IADR Art Doll Magazine.

Though we are done with the Winter Blue game, the Winter Blue Juried Show is just beginning.

Submission is now open with the DEADLINE of March 2nd, 2026 to enter. The Winter Blue juried show is for non-members to win the prize of a year membership with the IADR. IADR members also can win this opportunity for a free year membership. So why not give it a go!! The Theme Winter Blue means: Anything in blue. Dressed in blue or an event or activity that chashes away the Winter Blues and lets in a little ray of shine. If you have any questions regarding acceptability of submission, drop me an email at [email protected] and I will be happy to answer them.

IADR Art Doll 2026 Convention Workshops

Have you been to our IADR Art Doll Convention section on our website and checked out the fantastic workshops that will be available May 8th?

That is right! Our workshops will be available one day only and then followed by our Art & Apervito Event later that night.

It is never too soon to sign up and get your spot reserved. I know I'll be there, so come join me in the fun of learning something new in our Doll Making Adventure.

Other Dates to Mark on your calendars:

Going Live on Instagram - Tuesday February 10th at 10:30 am MST - 6:30 pm in Italy
Shylock Doll Gathering - Tuesday February 17th at 12:30 pm MST
IADR Art Doll Convention Planning meeting - Wednesday - February 18th - 9 am MST - 5 pm in Italy
IADR 2026 Convention - May 8-10th in Florence, Italy!

Getting Out the Word...

1/27/2026

Yes, get out the word... the Winter Blue juried show submission is now open. Go to the website and look under the Winter Blue event for more information. Deadline for submission is March 2nd, 2026.

This juried show offers a discount on the entry fee to non-members who wish to enter. If you want to see if the IADR is for you, the Winter Blue show is the best way to have an opportunity to win a year membership to find out.

Congratulations to Annalisa Borroni who is the winner of Adelaide Santini's Sponsor Gift from the Winter Blue Instagram game.

Annalisa, as the winner, will enjoy a free entry to the Winter Blue juried show. Again, congratulations and wishing you good luck! We are now in the final week of the game with Lesley Duthie being the final sponsor for the Winter Blue Instagram game. Then a overall supporter/player of the game will also be picked to be featured in the magazine, so keep on playing as there is more fun to come.

Get the word out too on our upcoming IADR Art Doll Convention. Facebook and Instagram are okay for spreading the news but with changing algorithms the word is getting harder and harder to share.

Let's then go back to Word of Mouth, the best way to advertise! Tell your friends and family members about the IADR Art Doll Convention coming in May 2026!

We love to have more vendors that would like to exhibit their dolls (as we have more space this year)... BUT, remember friends and family can come and see the amazing artwork for FREE on Saturday, May 9th and Sunday, May 10th.

Or, purchase the Art & Aperitivo ticket for Friday night, May 8th for 45 euros. This is really a great way to enjoy the evening with beverages and hors d'oeuvres and meeting the artists, sharing in the fun & festivities with friends, and attending the evening guest presentations and awards ceremony.

A warm WELCOME to Natalie Ruiz. She is a polymer artist from the Colorado, USA area. She is a returning member to the IADR and we are excited to have her back. I know I can't wait to see some of her creations plus get to actually meet her when she attends our IADR Art Doll Convention in Florence, Italy.

Checking your list...

11/18/2025

It's that time of year when we start making and checking our lists, whether it's a Christmas list or a to-do list. Here is your IADR Check list...

Have you checked out the requirements for the Year End Juried Show? Remember, you must have participated in at least one juried show this year or participated in the People's Choice event. Also the Year End event is for IADR members only.

Have you downloaded the Special 2026 Convention Issue of the IADR Art Doll Magazine? This issue is free so please let others know about it.

Now is when I will be starting the January 2026 issue. Deadline for submitting articles or tutorials will be December 15th, 2025, because of the holidays. Don't forget this is a great way to introduce new dolls or share works in progress through the Do What You Love pages or the Facebook Collage.

Also put on your check list that January will be starting our Winter Blues event. I'll be looking for sponsors for the Instagram game which we play leading up to the start of the Winter Blues juried show.

Also, just wire transferred the funds to pay for the MIDA Fair IADR booth. Check out the Special Edition Art Doll Magazine about this special event the IADR is also being a part of this year. The MIDA Fair is an unique opportunity to be exhibiting/selling your dolls. IADR paid now to take advantage of the lower cost for the booth space they offer.

Are you also taking advantage of the lower costs for signing up early for the 2026 IADR Art Doll Convention in Italy?

The registration for attending and wanting an exhibit/sales table or signing up for offering a workshop is now on the website. The lowest fee for attending is NOW until January 15th. After that the price goes up as we get closer to the May 8th starting date of the IADR Convention.

If you have any questions about any of these events, email me at [email protected].

Prepping for the Fall...

10/21/2025

Our IADR Fall Online Sale will begin this week. I will send out the link of the event/page Wednesday, October 22rd by 10 pm MST so that everyone will be able to start sharing on October 23rd when the event will officially be LIVE. The more everyone shares the link, the more the event is seen.

Even if you don't share the link, remember commenting or liking a post still helps the algorithm of having the event seen. So, share a little love if you please *smiling*.

Myself, I'll be sharing it on Facebook and with several doll groups on Facebook. I will also post it on Instagram, Bluesky, and Youtube.

Please also remember that because these posts are public, to double check any offers you may receive for your dolls. Trust your gut. If it doesn't feel right, don't fall for any scams. Any inquiries that I receive regarding any artist's work, I will be forwarding to the artist.

2026 IADR Convention Workshops - Still working on editing the tape from our last Planning meeting, but also working on getting our Special Edition of the IADR Magazine for the Convention ready for publication.

If you are considering providing a workshop but not sure just yet what it will be, please still go to the IADR website at https://www.international-art-doll-registry.com/workshop-provider-request-form.html
and fill out the form so we can reserve you a space!

In the November Convention Special Edition of the IADR Magazine, the workshop page at this time will be the instructor's photograph. I'll be using images from last year workshop advertisements or from the 2025 Convention unless you send me an image you rather I use. Email me if you have any questions or want to make arrangements for the 2026 Convention Workshop Provider Request Form at [email protected].

Reminder!!!

10/14/2025

Reminder: Fall Online Sale - For those still wishing to participate, please email me an image of the doll you wish to showcase on the Sale Page gallery preferably by October 15th. (Last Call for Deadline.)

For those new to how we operate the Fall Online Sale - A Fall Sales Page of all those who participated in the People's Choice event and anyone else that is wanting to participate in the Fall Online Sale is created with their Artist's Studio pages featured in the Event.

We then send out the link of the event/page when it goes live on October 23rd. The more the link is shared, the more the event is seen.

Myself, I'll be sharing it on Facebook and with several doll groups on Facebook. I will also post it on Instagram, Bluesky, and Youtube. So even if you are not on the page, a comment or like is always appreciated as we all support each other to be seen.

Reminder: The IADR Art Doll Convention Planning Committee meeting is Wednesday, October 15th at 9 am MST (that's 5 pm in Italy). For those that want to be involved with shaping the 2026 IADR Art Doll Convention and if you are not in the chat group, drop me a note at [email protected] for an invite to the meeting.

Also, for those in the Planning Committee, please check the chat group for some information on the convention that I sent out early for you to review for the meeting tomorrow.

To request membership information - email [email protected]

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