See vintage paper dolls at Edmonds Museum

  • By Theresa Goffredo Herald Writer
  • Friday, January 22, 2010 12:55pm
  • LifeGo-See-Do

A charming collection of vintage paper dolls is on display at the Edmonds Museum in time to celebrate 100 years of paper figures.

State-of-the-art museum cases frame a number of items dating from 1856 through the 1950s, all part of the museum’s permanent collection.

The exhibit educates viewers on the origin of paper dolls, which many collectors say were created for adults in the upper echelon of French society in the late 1700s.

Through two centuries, the paper doll evolved to the status of a child’s toy. In the last few decades, these dolls have become less interesting to children and more the object of adult collectors, coming full circle, according to a press release.

The museum’s Web site, www.historicedmonds.org/CurrentExhibit.html, includes some interactive paper dolls to print, including some contemporary figures with clothes.

The show runs through April 4.

The Edmonds-South Snohomish County Historical Society and Museum is housed in a former Carnegie Library built in 1910, at 118 Fifth Ave. N., Edmonds. Call 425-774-0900. Hours are 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

“Cascade Constellation”: Glass artist Jack Archibald was thinking of his time back in the day when he worked as a hospital orderly on the graveyard shift.

“When I first started in 1980, the place was really grim,” he said. “Little by little, they added amenities and art and plants and all the aesthetics that make a place a lot less terrifying.

“I like to think art can make a lot of difference in the healing potential.”

Archibald has contributed to that healing potential by creating a glass piece, “Cascade Constellation,” which will be among many works of art included in the expansion project at Cascade Valley Hospital in Arlington.

His newest glass mural of 30 panels was installed inside the hospital’s cafeteria. “Cascade Constellation” is a 13-foot-by-25-foot artwork commissioned by the hospital.

Lovely as a tree: A selection of oil and watercolor artist Susan Cohen Thompson’s paintings are on view at Sound Holistic Health Center, 2804 Grand Ave., Everett, through April 2.

Shorty’s New Dress: Everett native James Martin has always been interested in the narrative. Since 1955, Martin has maintained a well-loved cast of characters whose burlesque escapades have captivated the imaginations of Northwest viewers.

By the 1980s, Martin came into his own artistic talent, producing works with a distinct brand of humor and style.

Martin’s solo exhibition, “Shorty’s New Dress,” is on view through Jan. 30 at Foster/White Gallery, 220 Third Ave. S., Seattle.

“Northern Lights” is an exhibition of works by acrylic painter Jon Van Zyle, who captures the unusual light in Alaska.

Van Zyle’s work is on display at the Brackenwood Gallery, 302 First St., Langley, through Jan. 31.

Also in Langley, the gallery Museo is ready to open an exhibit dedicated to the circus. “The Greatest Show” kicks off with a public reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Museo, 215 First St., Langley. The show runs through March 1.

Theresa Goffredo: 425-339-3424; goffredo@heraldnet.com.

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