Community Culture, and History
L.A. at Play: Dolls & Figurines
NHM Online Presents L.A. at Play: Dolls & Figurines, an exploration of creators and collectors of figurines and dolls that connect to L.A. history, culture, and fandoms.
Fun, imaginative play—that is what many of us think of when we reflect on childhood memories of our favorite figurines, dolls, or toys. These objects range from collectible action figures to play dolls, and even creatures or monsters created for the silver screen. Dolls and figurines have captured our imagination and are collected by adults and children for their beauty, nostalgic value, financial value, or historical importance—and they transcend generations.
In this series, which follows the previous year's Kneaded: L.A. Bread Stories we are expanding beyond baked goods and into bobbleheads, Barbies, and more.
Join us all year long as we obsess over the creative process of the makers, collectors, and influencers in L.A. from various communities, cultures, and backgrounds—they epitomize L.A at Play.
Sneak Peek
Stayed tuned for more stories highlighting the makers and creators behind iconic dolls, figurines, puppets, and more—all connected to local pop culture and fandoms. Here is a peek at some upcoming stories:
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Eric Nakamura, founder of Giant Robot, is a designer, curator, and community builder in L.A.'s iconic Sawtelle Japantown, and beyond. He works in and owns the Giant Robot store and GR2 Gallery in Los Angeles, which continues to offer pop culture goods and hold art exhibitions. Stay tuned to hear more about Eric, where he pulls his inspiration, and how he builds a community that reaches a multiracial audience interested in Asian popular culture.
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Mark Langill, LA Dodgers Team Historian, brings fans closer to the game by connecting them with Dodger history. He chatted with us about one of the most sought-after giveaways at Dodger Stadium-- the bobblehead. Stay tuned as we explore the history of the bobblehead and the fandom behind them.
Courtesy of Alli Norman
Alli Norman is an Award-Winning Filmmaker and multifaceted Designer. With over 7 years in the Consumer Products Industry, she is most well known for her 3D modeling work, specializing in innovative 'Doll' and 'Action Figure' children's toys.
Ian Byers Gamber
Alex Evans serves as Executive Director and Head Puppeteer of the Bob Baker Marionette Theater in the Highland Park community of Los Angeles. Evans is honored to pull the strings of family fun for the past decade.
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Ofelia Esparza and Rosanna Esparza Ahrens are a dynamic mother-and-daughter team of altaristas, artists, and educators from East Los Angeles. They chatted with us about how dolls, especially cultural dolls, hold meaning for individuals, bring representation, and most importantly, transcend generations.
You're a Real Doll, L.A.
The L.A. At Play story is not complete without you! Share your doll or figurine story and follow the stories of the makers who are contributing to some of L.A.'s most iconic fandoms--tag us @NHMLA with #LAatPlay.
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