Founded by four American artists with the purpose of promoting the art of the original handmade doll, NIADA today comprises more than 60 peer-elected artists and supportive patrons who gather annually with visiting dollmakers and doll lovers to learn from each other and to share their work.

The National Institute of American Doll Artists was officially founded in May 1963, at the Watts Barr Resort near Ozone, Tennessee by Helen Bullard, who gathered with her co-founders, Gertrude Florian, Magge Head and Fawn Zeller. These artists, working primarily in isolation had come to know each other through the annual conventions of the United Federation of Doll Clubs (UFDC), a national doll collectors organization, which they had been attending since the early 1950s. Like contemporary NIADA artists, these pioneering dollmakers were also teachers, sharing their knowledge with other artists.

The work of early NIADA artists reflects their era in terms of medium and subject. Historical figures, children and portraits were a predominant theme. Today dolls by NIADA members are well represented in the print media, on the Internet, in value guides and in exhibitions worldwide. NIADA flourishes as an international organization with artist members from France, England, Germany, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Denmark, Russia, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Ukraine, Lithuania, South Korea, and South Africa. The NIADA Annual Conference is always an exciting event at which member artists and patrons as well as visiting artists and collectors are welcome.

NIADA members are thrilled to see the work of artists who have exceptional merit. The Standards Committee invites all aspiring artists who meet the established criteria to apply for membership (See Artist membership). The committee evaluates the basic elements of form, movement and anatomy, the construction of the figure, handling of the media, the technique and craftsmanship of the finish and, finally, considers if the artist’s work expresses a strong personal aesthetic and vision through this art form. Every applicant should have something new and vital to contribute. If you are interested in joining NIADA as a Patron, Associate or Artist member visit our Join Us page.

Helen Bullard’s remarkable vision, NIADA, has evolved into a vibrant International organization. Helen Bullard died in 1996, but her legacy moves forward.