Art Dolls News Release

This is the first news release that I have written. I am grateful the the Chatham University Art Gallery Manager and the Public Relations Director for their assistance in this task.

"Art Dolls" opens 2008/2009 gallery events at Chatham University

Pittsburgh (August 9, 2008) ... Presenting an amazing variety of artistic doll interpretations, Emily Eckel transforms the tradition of doll-making into something new. Ranging from traditional embroidery to contemporary assemblage, the doll assumes identities that demand attention. Ms. Eckel's works are on view in "Art Dolls" at the Chatham University Art Gallery now through September 23, 2008. The meet-the-artist reception will be Thursday, September 18 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. For mor information call 412-365-1232.

The Chatham University Art Gallery, located in Woodland Hall on the Quad, is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on weekends by appointment. For directions and parking visit www.chatham.edu/campusmap.

In the last ten years the art doll movement in America has blossumed and art dolls are being recognized as an art form of its own. Art dolls are one of a kind figuartive sculptures in mixed media. Ms. Eckel brings a unique vision to her dolls since each doll has a disctinct personlity. While generally light-hearted, many have dark untdertones. Ms. Eckel learned the needle arts during childhood but didn't begin making art dolls until she inherited a quilting studio from her sister.

Ms. Eckel holds a BFA from Carnegie Meool University and is an assistant professor of occupational therapy at Chatham. A member of The Fiber Arts Guild of Pittsburgh, Ms. Eckel's dolls have benn exhibited throughout North America. Her work has been featured in magazines such as Art Doll Quarterly and Soft Dolls and Animals.