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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!
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