She started doll making in Germany as a hobby. In California, her hobby grew to include teaching others to make dolls. Soon, she began conducting doll workshops throughout California. During the past 20 years, Erika has taught hundreds of workshops. Throughout her career as a doll maker Erika has created many original dolls commissioned by private collectors. Erika's one-day workshops are offered at stores throughout California.
As a speaker on dolls and doll history, Erika has given programs for the YWCA, Big Brothers and Sisters, Crittenton Services, Assistance League of Fullerton and Junior League, as well as many community groups. She has generously donated dolls for many charitable fundraisers in California, including Crittemton Services, the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, Cal State Fullerton's Art Alliance and Danville's Community Fine Arts Gallery. Erika's dolls have been shown and sold at the Bowers Museum store, the Muckenthaler Cultural Center Fullerton, New Pieces Gallery Berkeley, and a variety of stores and shows. She has participated in many doll shows, both in Southern and Northern California. With dolls made in her workshops, Erika's students have won prizes at county fairs and other doll competitions. In May 2001 Erika showed her dolls at New Pieces Gallery in Berkeley. In addition to teaching, Erika expresses her creativity through a variety of textile and wearable art. In August 2005 Erika moved to Corvallis, Oregon.
Volunteer! newsletter, Benton/Linn County, Oregon
LINKS:
Sabine Brunner - Pop Art Ceramics
Heinz Hahnbueck - Photos of Doors
Copyright
by Erika Antonia Schoell 2007