What are those changes?  It is hard to say as we are in the middle of experiencing those changes now.  Did you know that Naples existed at the time of the Mount Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD, though luckily they did not receive the devastation of Pompeii?  Naples helps today to shine the light on Pompeii's history.  It is at Pompeii that we can see the amazing art, walk the stone roads, and just get a glimpse into an age that no longer exists.  How we have changed but also how we have remain the same too?

​I was reminded of some of the "sameness" as I walked along an ancient Roman roadway in Naples called Christmas Alley (Via San Gregorio Armeno).  It was there that I discovered that the way I structure my porcelain dolls is the same way many of the specialty figures are still made in Naples.  What are these figures used for?  They are used in the building of presepe or in English- Nativity creche. 

I was simply blown away when I saw these many displays.  Plus anything (small or large) that was created for them.  From animated figurines - to small bowls of fruit like you can see in the video.  These displays are not just about Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus. They’re elaborate scenes that depict a whole village and are quite unique from your average manger.  You’ll also find modern politicians and celebrities right along side biblical characters.  Plus, they are worked on throughout the whole year.

So what was my Italian epiphany?  That there will always be a doll market.  Dolls (figurines) express our view of the world, our spiritually, and captures those day-to-day moments in time.  Just like the artwork in Pompeii showed us, dolls help with the healing.  They give us hope in our ever changing world.  We may need to adapt and evolve to reach a new market, but dolls are timeless.  I am reminded of a quote from "The StoryTeller" by Jim Henson... 'They are a luxury.  Therefore a necessity.'  Meaning - that once someone experiences a luxury, it can become so deeply ingrained in their life and habits that they begin to perceive it as essential, or a "necessity".  Such is a doll!

Don't miss out on the fun by taking a peek into the IADR Art Doll Convention video now on our IADR YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7lGLb-xPus​.

But there is more to think about as not everyone can attend a juried show in Italy.  This year's events are already planned but in looking at 2026 I am thinking there might need to be one more on-line juried show added.  What do you think?  Can we squeeze another one in?

I like keeping the Winter Blues juried show as a start to the year as that is a great opportunity for non-members to participate if they wish.  Also, it's fun playing games and winning prizes from our sponsors.

The next juried show would then be at the IADR Art Doll Convention in Italy (keeping our fingers crossed) *smiling*.  Followed by the People's Choice Event that summer.  The People's Choice is important as that it is all about exposure to the public and possible sales.  Please note the "update" article in the next edition of the IADR Art Doll magazine as I would like to improve our social media reach for the People's Choice.

The final event of the year is The YEAR END event.  The first rule for the YEAR END competition is that one must have participated in one of the previous juried shows and/or the People's Choice in order to be eligible to enter this event.  

And as we are always thinking ahead to the next project or way to diversify our reach -- talking with Bambi in our last podcast had me rethinking Pinterest.  I have since then saw a new way to grow on there again.  When I first started a couple of years ago, it wasn't that hard to work up to having a couple of 100 monthly views.  But like everything - the algorithm changed and my numbers were dropping no matter what I did.  

Sign up now for this great opportunity to not only participate at the IADR Art Doll Convention but don't miss out on the chance to receive "The Catch of the Day" by Mark Dennis.  Only registered guest receive this once in a lifetime offer to own one of Mark's creations. Check out the IADR website to see all the perks to this package deal for Guests and Visitors to the IADR Art Doll Convention at:
                  https://www.international-art-doll-registry.com/convention-registration.html

Sign up for one of the many workshops that are available at the IADR Convention as deadlines are fast approaching.  The instructors have materials to prep and gather to get ready for the classes.  If you would like to attend the workshop but want to wait to pay for it on the day that is happening, that is fine.  Though still send the IADR an email stating that is what you like to do so these classes can prepare.  Email [email protected] with Workshop in the subject line.  

​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWisPtet2AA​
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After all, one purpose of an artist is to educate, illuminate, and inspire passion or pain.  To expand the awareness and awaken the emotion of the observer to the Art.

By definition, to Illuminate is to 'make (something) visible or bright by shining light on it'.  Art helps to clarify or explain and enlighten spiritually or intellectually.

So what types of entries would qualify for the theme?  One example is Patrizia Cozzo's Fairy with Lantern and why she was selected to represent our convention.  The IADR appreciates Patrizia sharing her art with us and inspiration.  Simply holding a light source is one way to Shine the Light.

​The IADR juried event is open to all sculptors and makers of one-of-a-kind handmade sculpted art dolls - no matter the medium.  The Jury Show Competition will consists of two categories - Sculpted Artworks and Fiber Arts.  

Sculptured Artworks of all kinds are welcome in clay, paper-clay figurative sculpture, porcelain, polymer, or other like mediums. 

​Fiber Arts is a separate category from the other mediums entries and will include all competition entries of wool/needlefelting and cloth dolls

Each category will have five separate skill levels being Novice, Intermediate, Advance, Professional, and Master.  There will be an award opportunity for each level when meeting the competition requirement.

​The submission fee for one doll entry for the jury show is included with a convention registration otherwise a fee of 30 Euro will be charged.  

​Each person is authorized only one entry per category (Sculpted Art or Fiber Art) for the juried show competition. 

To enter a doll in the competition, it must be delivered to the registration table at the scheduled convention time and picked up after the award presentation during the Banquet Dinner.  If you have any questions please refer to the Juried Show link for the Convention at https://www.international-art-doll-registry.com/convention-juried-show-submission.html​ or email to [email protected].

The IADR is also there to help promote your work through the IADR Art Doll magazine.  As a member you can share ideas, articles, and tutorials to other artists.  You can also have your work featured in a 'Do What You Love' page or part of the Facebook collage.  All that advertising is free to IADR members as part of the perk of being a member as well as receiving the magazine at no additional cost.

The IADR is there in the social media platforms.  The IADR in Facebook will like and comment on other member's post, especially if you tag me in them.  That is especially true for Instagram as the new algorithm is now focusing more on the "Share" aspect.  I do need to be tagged if you want me to share your reels which again that is the new focus Instagram is also pushing.  Have you figured out how to add a click-able link to your reels?  If you haven't and would like to know how, then email me at [email protected] and I'll try to help you through that process.  All those little steps are what helps make a potential sale.   

Also the IADR is looking to grow through getting established in new areas like in the Bluesky social media.  I do believe that will be the future direction social media will be heading and we have built an IADR custom feed for your use.

​We are also growing with our first IADR Art Doll convention in May, 2025.  There is still time to sign up to register for the event if you like to take in the whole experience.  Otherwise, check out the workshops which are a great educational event - or - would you like an opportunity to sell your work at the open to the public Sales Event?  If you have any question regarding any of those areas then contact Adelaide Santini, the Italian representative for the convention or email me at [email protected].