The History of ODACA
The following history was originally published in the 25-year Anniversary booklet for ODACA Day 2001, written and produced by Dodi Becker. It was compiled from various sources. Joan M. Ross and Maralyn Christoffersen are especially thanked.
In August 1976, Bess Fantl, and five other doll artists, met at the Fantl home in San Diego, California, to establish the Original Doll Artists Council of America. The idea behind ODACA was to promote original doll artists and encourage all doll artists everywhere in their doll-making efforts. Most importantly, ODACA would provide an arena where everyone could share their knowledge and expertise in doll making and original doll collecting. Much has been accomplished since that early time.
For Bess, ODACA had been one of her most rewarding experiences. She was especially proud of being associated with so many fine artists whose hard work and spirit of sharing have made the organization what it is today - because ODACA is its members. Despite the distance, all the artists have worked together, united by a common bond - a love of dolls and a love of creating original dolls. Today, they continue to share their dolls and their knowledge with collectors so that many others will find the joy and fulfillment that they have found in their art forms.
"It is with deep and sincere emotion and pride," said Bess in 1983, "that I thank all who have worked by my side to make ODACA as great as it is today. Bless you all."
Each year, the original doll artists are featured in a day-long celebration that is known as ODACA Day. This special day is held annually on the first Sunday of the annual United Federation of Doll Clubs (UFDC) national convention at the same location as the ODACA event. ODACA wishes to thank the United Federation of Doll Clubs for the strong support that has been given to ODACA.
The contemporary doll artist is vital to the collectors of the future. Without the artist, what would there be for the collector to collect—or for the historian to study? The story of ODACA and its artists will endure—they will survive and be the "finds" at auctions and doll shows—proudly displayed in homes of the present and becoming treasures of the future.
ODACA History Timeline
1973 - 2026
ODACA
Souvenir Dolls
1973 to 2026
Joan Ross Sweetheart Award Recipients
About
ODACA
Officers
2006 - 2026
Past ODACA
Day Themes
On ODACA's 50th Anniversary
In August of 1976, within a sunny San Diego home, Bess Fantl and five visionary artists set the first delicate gears in motion, founding the Original Doll Artists Council of America. Their purpose was clear: to champion original doll artists, to nurture creativity, and to create a place where knowledge, artistry, and passion for the art could be shared freely. Fifty years later, that spirit has not only endured - it has flourished.
Like an intricate piece of clockwork, ODACA has been carefully crafted through decades of dedication, ingenuity, and collaboration. Each artist, each collector, each shared technique and inspired creation has become part of this unique mechanism, powered by imagination and sustained by community. As Bess so beautifully expressed, “ODACA’s heart is, and has always been, its members.”
From those early gatherings to the cherished tradition of ODACA Day, and with the support of the United Federation of Doll Clubs, this organization has remained a beacon for artistry and fellowship. Across miles and generations, artists have been united by a common bond: a love of dolls and the joy of bringing original creations to life.
The impact of this work reaches far beyond the present moment. Today’s creations are tomorrow’s treasures, objects of beauty that will one day be discovered, studied, and cherished anew. In this way, ODACA does more than celebrate this art; it ensures its future.
As we gather in the spirit of the day, where time bends, and imagination reigns, we honor not only the past fifty years but the countless moments of inspiration, mentorship, and artistry that have defined them.
Congratulations on 50 extraordinary years—and may the next half-century be even more wondrous.
- Shared with artists, patrons and guests at the "Steampunk Masquerade" ODACA Day Luncheon, July 28, 2026. -
Bess Fantl - ODACA Founder
Bess was both a doll collector and a creator of original dolls, and made a very special contribution to the doll world. Always striving to have today's doll designers recognized by the public and collectors, Bess founded the Original Doll Artists Council of America along with five charter members in 1976.
Her dolls have porcelain heads, hands and feet. Bodies have wire armature where needed, otherwise only the hands were wired. The cloth bodies are stuffed with polyester fiberfil and the dolls have either sculpted hair or wigs. All her dolls are made in short editions, limited to 25 to 50 dolls in an edition, which makes them more collectible. They range in size from 10 to 21 inches.