SCHOLARSHIPS

E.J. Taylor Dollmaking School Scholarship

For 30 years, the late E.J. Taylor was an active member of NIADA and had a significant and broad influence on the art of creating handmade, original dolls. At the request of Helen Kish and Robert Tonner, E.J. planned the curriculum for the Foundations Course in dollmaking at the NIADA summer conferences in 1998 and 1999. The response far exceeded expectations. The ongoing mandate of the NIADA School was to provide the foundations – the essentials – needed by the artist to develop his or her skills in striving for excellence in the creation of original dolls. E.J. taught, mentored, and encouraged many doll artists around the globe over the years. His early work in creating and successfully executing a dollmaking curriculum was the precursor to the current NIADA Dollmaking School.

This scholarship is intended to help one or two emerging doll Artists, including NIADA Associate and Patron Members who are doll artists, attend the NIADA Live Dollmaking School by paying for a Dollmaking Class of their choice; or by helping to cover extra expenses. Artists applying must be able to join us at the current year’s live Annual NIADA Conference if they are awarded the E.J. Taylor Memorial Scholarship.

What is the E.J. Taylor Dollmaking School Scholarship Award: A free course of the recipient’s choosing at the NIADA in-person Dollmaking School. Where requested, reasonable extra expenses may be awarded at the discretion of the NIADA Board. (examples: assistance with supplies/kits for chosen class, travel, lodging).

Who is eligible to apply: Emerging doll artists, including NIADA Associate Members and NIADA Patron Members who are doll artists, wishing to attend the NIADA in-person Dollmaking School

Application Deadline: April 30th, 2025

Recipients of the E.J. Taylor Dollmaking School Scholarship

Helen Bullard Scholarship

The Helen Bullard Scholarship fund, named in honor of NIADA’s founder, was created by NIADA Patrons to help emerging doll artists attend the NIADA Conference as Visiting Artists. Each year, one recipient is awarded a free Conference registration, based on their promising potential and work already accomplished.

Application Deadline: April 30th, 2025

Recipients of the Helen Bullard Scholarship

Susanna Oroyan Memorial Scholarship

The late Susanna Oroyan, former NIADA president, was a major force in the doll world for many years as a doll artist, author of several books on dollmaking, promoter of art dolls, teacher and mentor, and a wonderful friend to many. With seed money from Thomas Oroyan and other donations, NIADA has established a scholarship fund in her name.

This scholarship is intended to help one or two Visiting Artists to attend the NIADA Conference by helping to cover extra expenses and/ or pay for a Dollmaking Class of their choice. Artists applying must be able to join us at this year’s Conference if they are awarded this Scholarship.

Application Deadline: April 30th, 2025

Recipients of the Susanna Oroyan Memorial Scholarship

Lisa Lichtenfels Memorial Scholarship

(formerly the NIADA Foundation Scholarship)

Lisa Lichtenfels’ distinctive technique for creating lifelike figures from wire skeletons, batting, and nylon for skin, left an indelible mark on the world of art dolls. Her unique and singular approach to creating these realistic figures made her dolls coveted by collectors around the world. Lisa was a teacher, mentor, inspiration, and role model who influenced countless artists.

This scholarship is intended to help one or two NIADA Member Artists attend a NIADA Conference by helping to cover extra expenses. Current NIADA Artist Members are eligible to apply by submitting a self-nomination to the NIADA President, and selections will be made by the NIADA Board. Any recipient of this Scholarship must be able to attend the current year’s Conference.

What is the Lisa Lichtenfels Scholarship Award: Free Registration for a member artist to attend an in-person NIADA Conference. Additional reasonable expenses may be awarded at the discretion of the NIADA Board (examples: help with travel and lodging).

Who is eligible to apply: NIADA Member Artists

Application Deadline: April 30th, 2025

Recipients of the Lisa Lichtenfels Memorial Scholarship

Recipients of the NIADA Foundation Scholarship