ABOUT THE CURATOR

Buffalo native Lisa Jacobs-Watson is a doll collector who uses her dolls to inspire and encourage women and girls of all ages and backgrounds. During the late 1990’s, she noticed how dolls were being created to look more beautiful and diverse than when she played with them as a child.  The new wave of ethnic looks prompted Lisa to become a collector.  She began organizing doll shows, while using her dolls as a tool to start conversations about beauty and culture.  In partnership with District 2 of the Erie County Legislature and the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library System, Lisa coordinated Buffalo’s Inaugural Black Doll Exhibit in 2020.  Since then she has curated several doll displays in local libraries in celebration of Black History Month and Women’s History Month. Lisa enjoys displaying her dolls to promote imaginative playtime, self-confidence, and career choices.