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This December, the William Grant Still Arts Center proudly presents its 44th Annual Black Doll Show, titled “in need of good folk… ‘MAGIC FOLK LIKE US’,” curated by the visionary Aiysha Sinclair. This year’s theme invites visitors to journey through a magical world where Black folklore and fairytales are celebrated, woven together through the power of storytelling and art. The show is an homage to the oral tradition and its limitless possibilities, seen through the lens of Black artists and doll makers.

Several artists and staff, who have been essential in producing the William Grant Still Arts Center Black Doll Show, were recently featured in Netflix’s acclaimed documentary, “Black Barbie.” Monica Bailey shared her inspiring personal journey toward self-love through dolls, while Amitis Motevalli and Billie Green conveyed significant historical Black doll moments. Also included in the documentary was Stacy McBride-Irby, who participated in our 2018 Black Doll Show, reflecting on her time at Barbie and her decision to develop her own Black doll line. These powerful voices underscore the deep connection between Black dolls, identity, and self-empowerment. In this 44th year, the Black Doll Show remains as relevant as ever.

This year’s theme, “in need of good folk… MAGIC FOLK LIKE US,” taps into that same empowering spirit, reminding us that within the realm of imagination, we are limitless. Aiysha Sinclair, the Los Angeles-based Children’s Book Author, Performer, and Doll Artist curating this year’s show, is known for her exploration of the magic and wonder within the African diaspora. Her work, which spans across folk tales, fairy tales, and folklore, invites visitors to reconnect with their roots and explore the cultural richness that Black storytelling has offered the world.

“These stories are haunting as well as uplifting,” says Sinclair. “I don’t think I’ll ever tire of learning from them. It is an honor to share my stories, and those of my ancestors, whether through writing, mixed media, or creating dolls.”

Celebrating Black Folklore and Tradition

At the heart of this year’s exhibit is a celebration of the countless stories that Black people have passed down through the ages—stories of tricksters, supernatural beings, heroic women, and enslaved ancestors. This is a space where imagination and memory collide, and where dolls become more than just objects—they become storytellers, sharing the influences of villages, families, and community dynamics. Like a griot passing tales from one generation to the next, the artists in this year’s Black Doll Show continue a tradition of storytelling that transcends time and place. The exhibit will showcase dolls and mixed media pieces that bring to life Black folklore, reflecting the joy, resilience, and spirit of Black culture.

The Legacy of the Black Doll Show and Its Connection to Civil Rights

The Black Doll Show began in response to the 1940s doll tests conducted by Mamie and Kenneth Clark, which revealed how systemic racism impacted Black children’s self-esteem and led them to prefer white dolls. This became pivotal evidence in civil rights lawsuits, including the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case. To counteract these negative self-images, artists Cecil and Miriam Fergerson started the Black Doll Show in the 1980s, bringing together handmade Black dolls to celebrate the beauty and cultural significance of Black identity.

Through this tradition, the William Grant Still Arts Center has continued to create a space for Black artists to reshape narratives and redefine self-worth. The presence of doll artists like Monica Bailey, Amitis Motevalli, and Billie Green in “Black Barbie” speaks to the deep importance of this work. Their reflections in the documentary on how Black dolls have shaped their own lives are echoed in this year’s show, where the tradition of using dolls to convey cultural and personal stories continues.

An Invitation to Experience Magic and History

We invite all who believe in the power of storytelling and Black cultural heritage to join us for this year’s Black Doll Show. Whether you are a longtime fan of the exhibit or newly inspired by the stories shared in “Black Barbie,” the magic of this year’s theme, “in need of good folk… MAGIC FOLK LIKE US,” will speak to your heart.

This is a celebration not just of art, but of identity, history, and community—an affirmation that the stories of Black people, whether told through dolls, folklore, or film, have the power to inspire, uplift, and transform.

Event Details:

Opening Reception: December 14, 2024, from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Exhibition Dates: December 14, 2024 – February 15th, 2025

Doll Workshops

• December 21, 2024
• January 11, 2025
• February 8, 2025

Additional Events During the Black Doll Show Run:

• Panel Discussion Jan 18
• Stories & Books (Zine Making Workshop) Feb 1
• Tea Time (drink tea with your dolls) closing Feb 15

Together, let us celebrate the magic of our stories and the good folk who continue to tell them.

The Arroyo Arts Collective and Curator Mary Cheung invite you to join us for What Do You See – What Do You Hear? THE SEQUEL, a collaboration of dance and musical instruments, set within the beautiful Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock.

Three sets of musicians and dancers rotate with one another so that no two performances are identical. Coming together as strangers turned partners, the improvised creation between Dancer and Musician is designed to open lines of communication and connection – musicians interpret their dance partner, while dancers respond and contribute to the music so that each elevates the other’s art.

There will be a free workshop for the public at the beginning of the event

February 22nd • Let’s Make Music: Join Sam Shinnick for an exploration into the art of making music. No music experience required! Have you ever wanted to write a song or play music, but don’t know where to start without experience? Sam will walk the class through the process of making music, and we will all be making a song together! Think of it like songwriting MadLibs—starting with a basic song framework and then using your ideas to “fill in the blanks”. We will be jamming with all kinds of creative and strange instruments, from buckets to silverware to keyboards. Come on by and let’s jam!

March 1st • Bellydance for **ALL** Bodies: Join Zoë DeRose for an adventure into the land of belly dance to get in touch with YOUR body as it is right now – no experience necessary! Zoë will guide the class through 30 minutes of an introduction to basic belly dance technique with an emphasis on how the diversity and dynamics of this dance form offer opportunities for everyone to shine. Learn a fun combination to take home, and Zoë will end class with a short demonstration of a classic belly dance set!

Admission is Free, RSVP is required. Register for your tickets, space is limited.

Curated by Mary Cheung

About
Mary Cheung is an innovative artist and award-winning Costume Designer. Her works contain a strong sense of story and combine multiple visual and performance mediums. She graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and has worked as a Designer and Stylist on over 40 films. She is a recipient of the Best Costume Design Award from the NAACP. Movement is very important to Mary and she dances whenever possible.

The Arroyo Arts Collective: Established in 1989 as a community organization of artists, writers and performers who live and work in Northeast Los Angeles, the mission of the Arroyo Arts Collective is to develop and present creative events that educate while fostering an awareness of the artistic vitality which exists in northeast Los Angeles. arroyoartscollective.org

The Center for the Arts Eagle Rock: The Center’s mission is to be innovative in providing multidisciplinary, arts-inclusive programming to the diverse communities of northeast Los Angeles… and beyond.. cfaer.org

WHAT DO YOU SEE – WHAT DO YOU HEAR?  THE SEQUEL is made possible through the generous support of the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, LA County Department of Arts and Culture as part of Creative Recovery LA, an initiative funded by the American Rescue Plan, the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program as funded by the State of California and administered by CalOSBA. This programming is presented in partnership with the Center for the Arts Eagle Rock.

An in-depth installation of Jean-Michel Basquiat features all 13 works by the artist in the Broad collection, including three works on view for the first time at The Broad: Santo 2, Deaf, and Wicker.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays – 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Thursdays – 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.,
Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Michael Jackson’s fashion sense has always been iconic. Our display of original artifacts on loan from the Michael Jackson estate showcases memorable pieces, including beaded jackets Jackson wore during the Jacksons’ 1984 Victory tour. Also featured is our original short film about making Jackson’s Thriller music video.

Sundays & Mondays, Wednesdays – Fridays 11:00 noon – 5:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Explore 30 years of music history, from blues, folk, and rock ‘n’ roll to hip-hop and alternative music, through the lens of photographer Jay Blakesberg. Featuring more than 150 photographs shot on film between 1978 and 2008, Retro Blakesberg captures three decades of pivotal moments in music history. The dynamic exhibit showcases multiple genres and iconic musicians, ranging from Snoop Dogg, B-40, and Bob Dylan to PJ Harvey, Pearl Jam, and the Grateful Dead.

Imagining Black Diasporas: 21st-Century Art and Poetics fi nds aesthetic connections among 60 artists working in Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The exhibition and its catalog are among the first to examine nearly a quarter century of production by Black artists. The project debuts new acquisitions for LACMA and expands the Pan-African exhibition canon, historically focused on the Black Atlantic, by showcasing artists working along the Pacific Rim.

Luther Vandross: Artistry and Elegance celebrates the extraordinary life and legacy of Luther Vandross, an eight-time Grammy winner, revered songwriter, arranger, producer, performer, and one of the most gifted vocalists in music history. The exhibit offers an intimate glimpse into Vandross’ creative process and showcases his ornate stage wardrobe, exclusive performance footage from his popular tours, and a never-before-heard recording of him in the studio.

The exhibition Alice Coltrane, Monument Eternal is inspired by the life and legacy of jazz musician, devotional leader, and mother Alice Coltrane. The title takes its name from her book Monument Eternal (1977), which reflected her newfound spiritual beliefs, the loss of her husband, the saxophonist John Coltrane, and the path to healing and self-discovery. The exhibition presents work by contemporary American artists paired with ephemera from Coltrane’s personal archive.