The Art and Soul of the Doll

Say the word “doll” and most people will have an image of a child’s toy in their minds. For some people, though, dolls are far more than something for a child to play with. They are handmade artworks that are just as expressive and meaningful as paintings or other traditional fine art mediums. They can say very personal things that might never be said any other way. When done with care, craftsmanship, and deep feeling, they are clearly fine art.

“The Art and Soul of the Doll” is an exhibition of over 40 handmade figurative artworks from 15 artists in the Asheville-based Go Figure Guild. Some of these figures tell specific stories while others are metaphors. Some express ideals, others personal emotions, and some are done as part of a healing process. Some reach across the lines that may divide us and others are political statements. Many of them are so personal to their creators that they are not for sale. All of them are beautiful artworks that are exceptionally well made.

The exhibition will be in Mars Hill University’s Weizenblatt Gallery from August 30 through September 28. There will be a reception on Friday, September 1, from 5-8 pm, in conjunction with the town of Mars Hill’s First Friday. Gallery hours are 10-4 Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, closed Tuesday, Thursday, weekends, and holidays. Weizenblatt Gallery is in the Moore Fine Art Building on Cascade Street in Mars Hill. Admission is always free.