A few of our favorite creatives in honor of Black History Month!

Alvin Ailey Plush Doll

Alvin Ailey was a dancer, director, choreographer, and activist who founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, one of the most successful dance companies in the world. His work fused theatre, modern dance, ballet, and jazz with black vernacular, creating hope-fueled choreography that continues to spread global awareness of black life in America. We are inspired by Ailey’s movement, creativity, and motivation to create such meaningful and beautiful movement that leaves one feeling so inspired.

One of Paul’s favorite experiences was seeing the Alvin Ailey Dance Company when he worked at Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. He still talks about it to this day!

Alma Woodsey Thomas as a Plush Doll

Alma Woodsey Thomas was an Expressionist painter and art educator best known for her colorful abstract paintings. We find ourselves in awe of her exuberant works, which are nothing short of noteworthy in their pattern, rhythm and color. There is nothing not to love about Alma’s work. Her ability to mix patterns and her eye for color are something we strive for in our own work here at Lars.

Beyonce as an Embroidered Plush Doll

Clearly, we had to create Beyonce in plush form. It was a given. Mostly, we wanted to bedazzle her in embroidery even more than she already is. Her raw talent and unstinted work ethic demonstrate to women of all walks of life that we can too. We look up to her ability to inspire others with her music, and that her creativity instills self-love, wonder, strength and an undeniable excitement and joy at being a woman. Beyonce is nothing short of pure magic!

Jean-Michel Basquiat as an Embroidered Plush Doll

Jean-Michel Basquiat was an artist most famous for his Neo-Expressionist paintings. Before Basquiat found his fame, he was using graffiti as an outlet of his artistic expression the name “SAMO.” His work was groundbreaking and addressed by the social and artistic elite. He took the consumerist pop model of the time and transformed it into a social commentary that spoke against systems of racism and power structures. We admire Basquiat’s persistence in creating work that held such powerful messages. Plus, we love his work!

We have even more plans for these dolls coming up, so feel free to comment below of people who want to celebrate. Who knows, they may just make it in a post! Stay tuned and be sure to make your own while you’re at it! You can find our tutorial here. Tag us with #larsmakes so we can see your creations!