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Joan's dolls are primarily miniatures of 1:12 inch scale. Occasionally she will create a larger doll, but rarely taller than 10 inches. Her work is porcelain with silk fiber wigs. A variety of subjects include storybook characters, historical figures, fairies, and children and adults form various time periods and life styles. Custom pieces and limited editions of various sizes are available.

Bio
The Doll & Toy Museum of New York City and the Yorktown (NY) Museum have displayed her work as well as a Christmas exhibit it sponsored by the Rockland County (NY) Historical Society. Joan has created several souvenirs for various UFDC functions including Region 11 1991 and Region 13 1994 conferences.

Joan began making porcelain reproductions in 1976. In 1977, Joan successfully began to make dollhouse doll reproductions of antiques. In 1983, she began creating her own original dolls in one inch scale. Both her reproductions and originals have won 1st place ribbons and other special awards.

Joan has written numerous articles relating to all aspects of miniature doll making. She lectures and presents slide programs and has exhibited her dolls in museums and other special exhibits in the Northeast. In addition, Joan teaches seminars and workshops in all phases of miniature dollmaking throughout the United States.

In 1976 Joan became a member of the United Federation of Doll Clubs (UFDC). She has been a member of the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts (NAME) since 1977. Joan was Regional Coordinator for that organization for the states of New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware. In 1984 Joan was elected to the status of Fellow in the International Guild of Miniature Artisans (IGMA). In 1990 she was Chairperson for NAME's Regional Houseparty Convention in Atlantic City. In 1992 Joan Co-Chaired NAME's National Houseparty in Philadelphia. In 1993 Joan was selected as Honorary Chairman for the Annual Miniature and Dollhouse Event sponsored by the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana in New Orleans. Joan has held the office of President for two terms in the Jersey Cape Doll and Toy Club of Cape May County and was Chairperson for a Regional Conference held in Ocean City, New Jersey in 1994. On July 23, 1994 in Atlanta, Georgia, Joan was elected as a member of NAME's Academy of Honor and was also accepted as a member of the Original Doll Artists Council of America (ODACA). She served as President of ODACA from 1998 through 2002. In 2003 Joan was elected to the position of Regional Director for UFDC. 

Joan's name and her identification marks can be found in "A Reference Guide to Miniature Makers Marks", published by Lee and Alice Frank.

Joan and her husband Lou, reside in Rio Grande, Cape May County NJ. They have four children and nine grandchildren all residing in Cape May County. All the children are proud of the dolls created in the Benzell household.