A: Yes, you do not have to be an Artist or Patron Member to attend the NIADA Conference or Dollmaking School. The NIADA Conference is a wonderful opportunity for artists, collectors, and everyone interested in the expanding world of doll art to experience the cutting edge of this dynamic art form. NIADA membership is not required to attend, just passion for the art of the doll.

A: The NIADA Conference is a separate event from the Dollmaking School. You may attend both, but your Conference registration fee does not include the Dollmaking School. You must register for the Dollmaking School and the Conference separately.

A: Yes, both NIADA Artists Gallery Night and Exhibit & Sale events are free and open to the public; all are welcome to attend during the public hours. The first hour of the Exhibit & Sale is open only to NIADA Patrons. Following that hour, it is open to all Conference registrants and after that, it opens to the public.

A. Yes, you can sign up for our Conference chat line here – Add me to the chatline

A: We encourage Conference and Dollmaking School attendees to share accommodations in order to meet new people and keep costs down. We can help you find a roommate; please check “I need a roommate” when you register, or contact the Conference Registrar

A: Sales during the Conference and at all Conference locations and rooms are limited to NIADA Artists’ work only. Visiting Artists are encouraged, however, to bring samples of their best pieces as there are several opportunities to show their work: the Critiques, the Critique Exhibit and the Challenge Exhibit. These exhibits are often covered in the press. It is also perfectly appropriate to use your work to discuss techniques at panel discussions and during classes, demos and workshops.

A: Every year NIADA Members donate dolls, books, tools, and other goodies as raffle items for Conference attendees. Raffle tickets will be available during the Conference and you will have plenty of opportunities to view the donations before the raffle is drawn during the banquet.

A: No. Conference registration is not required to attend the Dollmaking School, but Conference registrants receive a discounted class fee.

The student rate is a discounted registration for students currently studying at high school, college or university. Students are invited to attend the programs, demonstrations and exhibits. Special rate does not include meal events, souvenir, or early entry to the NIADA Artists Exhibition. In order to confirm your registration you must email a copy of your student ID to the Conference Registrar

A. Your Conference registration covers access to the Conference programs, keynote presentation, NIADA Artists Gallery Night opening, Demos, Critiques, the Artist’s Market, early admittance to the NIADA Artists Exhibit & Sale, and the Conference souvenir made by selected NIADA Artists.

A. Yes, we have a variety of scholarships available for Visiting Artists. You do not have to be a NIADA Artist Member to apply for these scholarships. For more information regarding scholarships click here

A: The 10 X 12 program is a slideshow featuring ten dolls from up to twelve participants including visiting artists, NIADA Associates, or NIADA Patrons. The first twelve to submit images of their work will have the opportunity to introduce their dolls to all NIADA Conference attendees. In this special program, each artist presents a slideshow of ten images of his or her work and is allotted twenty seconds per image to present verbal description or commentary. All registered to attend the conference are welcome to submit images, you can indicate your interest when you register for the Conference.

A. Every year we challenge our Conference attendees to create a doll with a specific theme. This opportunity is open to all Conference attendees; all Challenge Dolls will be exhibited at the Conference. Each participant should create their work honoring the dollmaking tradition and submit it for exhibition at the Conference. Submitted dolls should be all original designs and completely fabricated by the artist using any material. Dolls must be no larger than 24″ in diameter and must not exceed 30″ in height.

A: Yes, each year NIADA invites a local professional photographer to set up at our Conference as a service to attendees. The photographer will be set up at the hotel and a sign-up sheet will be available at registration to make an appointment to have your dolls photographed. There will be a fee charged per doll for a high-resolution photo.

NIADA encourages accomplished artists who create entirely original art dolls to strive for the finest realization of their talents and welcomes submissions from Visiting Artists for Artist Membership. For more information click here

We also encourage Visiting Artists, collectors, galleries, and other art-doll enthusiasts to join as Patron or Associate Members. If you are interested in becoming a NIADA Patron or Associate click here