Darlene Adams Allen
Artist

Inspired by children's book illustrators, like Charles Folkard and Theodore Geisel, and antique finds, Darlene Allen uses artistry and imagination to bring to life bears and characters with a fold-art edge that look old-fashioned.

Recognized internationally, this award-winning artist has collectors worldwide. Darlene says, "I love seeing what I imagined materialize before my eyes; then to have it bring wonderment to someone else keeps me making bears."

Starting with a sketch of the finished bear, Darlene works backward to create the pattern, designing movement into the bear as if it was temporarily caught in time. She selects the mohair to fit the deisgn and uses excelsior and polyfil stuffings.

Darlene's honors and recognition include: 1991-Teddy Bear Artist Annual; 1994-Teddy Bear Source Book, Contemporary Artists Price Guide, Design artist for Teddy Bear Museum of Naples 1994 pin; 1998-TOBY Nomination (Geisel); 1999 IDEX Award (Playpal in Blue); 2000 Teddy Today, Teddy Bear Museum of Naples Newsletter cover/featured artist.