'Doll Lady' is no dummy
Diverse dolls promote non-violent message
Cassandra Harwood
Issue date: 2/28/08 Last update: 2/28/08 at 6:07 AM PST
Section: Features
Cherrie Williams has found a way to help combat the crime wave sweeping over Oakland's streets. She fights crime by making dolls.
Williams, known as the "Doll Lady" to some and the "Singing Domestic" to others, is an Oakland artist and performer who makes and sells colorful multicultural dolls out of "found" objects and trash from Oakland's streets. The tiny dolls measure about 1 " long and bear simple messages like "Hi" and "Love."
Through the sale of her dolls and other hand-made folk art, Williams funds annual concerts showcasing art and performances by local youth and other artists. Her goal is to encourage creativity and thereby discourage violence among youth who are so often short-changed by limited arts funding in public schools.
Williams explains that finding an outlet for creative expression can offer kids a sense of purpose and raise their self-esteem. This level of self-realization is what she describes as someone's "Why," "Your 'Why' is your voice-your talent, purpose, passion. I found my Why and now I'm on fire!"
The Oakland artist can often be found selling her dolls throughout the area-on Piedmont Ave, or the bustling corner of 39th & Macarthur, which she describes as her "Magic Spot." This corner is where Williams earned the title "Doll Lady," after becoming a staple to regular passerby.
"The magic spot is where I met myself, and where I learned to turn adversity around," she explains.
Williams spends some of her time on the Laney campus, where she can sometimes be found in the Student Center selling dolls and engaging with the swift current of passing students.
In a recent visit to the Student Center, the Doll Lady sat strategically at a table which shouldered the lunch line, "I've got dolls for sale, help stop violence!" she called out. Students of all ages stopped to look; many intrigued by the colorful and strikingly cute dolls that Williams had affixed to a display board.
"I've got Mama (dolls), Little Mama, and Hoochie Mama!" she announced to a woman who paused at her display. The woman laughed, taken by Williams' genial disposition, while politely declining her offer.
Williams, known as the "Doll Lady" to some and the "Singing Domestic" to others, is an Oakland artist and performer who makes and sells colorful multicultural dolls out of "found" objects and trash from Oakland's streets. The tiny dolls measure about 1 " long and bear simple messages like "Hi" and "Love."
Through the sale of her dolls and other hand-made folk art, Williams funds annual concerts showcasing art and performances by local youth and other artists. Her goal is to encourage creativity and thereby discourage violence among youth who are so often short-changed by limited arts funding in public schools.
Williams explains that finding an outlet for creative expression can offer kids a sense of purpose and raise their self-esteem. This level of self-realization is what she describes as someone's "Why," "Your 'Why' is your voice-your talent, purpose, passion. I found my Why and now I'm on fire!"
The Oakland artist can often be found selling her dolls throughout the area-on Piedmont Ave, or the bustling corner of 39th & Macarthur, which she describes as her "Magic Spot." This corner is where Williams earned the title "Doll Lady," after becoming a staple to regular passerby.
"The magic spot is where I met myself, and where I learned to turn adversity around," she explains.
Williams spends some of her time on the Laney campus, where she can sometimes be found in the Student Center selling dolls and engaging with the swift current of passing students.
In a recent visit to the Student Center, the Doll Lady sat strategically at a table which shouldered the lunch line, "I've got dolls for sale, help stop violence!" she called out. Students of all ages stopped to look; many intrigued by the colorful and strikingly cute dolls that Williams had affixed to a display board.
"I've got Mama (dolls), Little Mama, and Hoochie Mama!" she announced to a woman who paused at her display. The woman laughed, taken by Williams' genial disposition, while politely declining her offer.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Cherrie Williams
posted 4/03/08 @ 2:42 PM PST
New found stength connection... Thank You
I will never forget you,and your teamwork.
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