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Joan Benzell, Doll Artist
Joan Benzell began making her first porcelain dolls in 1976. Within a year she was successfully making reproductions of antique dollhouse dolls. By 1983, she began creating original dolls in one inch scale. Both her reproduction and original dolls have won 1st place ribbons as well as many other special awards.
Joan has written numerous articles relating to all aspects of miniature doll making. She lectures and presents slide programs and has exhibited her dolls in museums and other special displays in the Northeast. In addition, Joan teaches seminars and workshops in all phases of miniature dollmaking throughout the United States. Joan has created criteria for evaluating miniature dolls and has used that criteria in judging miniature dolls in competition.
In 1976 Joan became a member of the United Federation of Doll Clubs (UFDC). She has been a member of the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts (NAME) since 1977. In 1984 Joan was elected to the status of "Fellow" in the International Guild of Miniature Artisans (IGMA). In 1992 she co-chaired NAME's National Houseparty in Philadelphia and in 1993 she was selected as Honorary Chairman for the Annual Miniature and Dollhouse Event sponsored by the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana in New Orleans. Joan has held the office of President in the Jersey Cape Doll and Toy Club of Cape May County in NJ. In 1994, Joan was elected as a member of NAME's "Acadamy of Honor". Again in 1994, Joan was accepted as a member of the "Original Doll Artists Council of America" (ODACA). She is a Past President of that organization. In 2003 Joan was elected to the position of Regional Director for UFDC and held that office until 2006. In 2006, Joan was selected to be UFDC Nominating Chairman for the upcoming election to be held in 2007. In 2007, Joan was appointed UFDC National Coordinator for Jr. Collectors and will hold that office until 2009. Currently, Joan is Chairman for the UFDC Region 13 Regional Conference, sponsored by the Jersey Cape Toy & Doll Club. Joan's name and her identification marks can be found in "A Reference Guide to Miniature Makers Marks", p.34, published by Lee and Alice Frank.
Joan and her husband Lou, reside in Rio Grande, Cape May County, NJ. Joan owned and directed the Cape May Miniatures Show.