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Oh, you beautiful, versatile doll
Dear artist … I ask you … the most beautiful present… whether you be famous or not, well known or unknown, or a budding artist … to work together for the children.
In the arms of an ailing child, a Kiwanis doll is a faithful comforter. In the hands of an artist, it is a masterpiece. In the hearts of European Kiwanians, it is a profitable fundraiser.
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A Kiwanis doll designed by Jean-Michel Folon; top: a Kiwanis doll incorporated into a hat designed by Elvis Pompilio. |
Ordinarily, Kiwanis dolls are presented to ill or injured children. In recent years, however, Belgium-Luxembourg District Kiwanians gave dolls to artists worldwide and asked them to do what they do best, create “the most beautiful present.”
The dolls returned transformed. Carved in wood. Etched in rock. Embroidered. Painted in oil. Animated by watercolors. Even set upon a hat. They came from Belgium, France, the United States, Canada, Luxemburg, Algeria, and beyond. They returned transformed by artists unknown and renowned, including Jean-Michel Folon (shortly before his death in 2005) and hat designer Elvis Pompilio.
The Kiwanians photographed the artwork and published the images in a book and calendars, which were sold at four exhibits. They also arranged an online auction, where the dolls collected more than 40,000 euros.
I have a dream: to snuggle up, any time, in the arms of a child. … My name is “Kiwanis doll.” |
    
 
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