May 12, 2008

Dolly Mixture

Hilary Williams’s Recycled Dolls

Some dolls live on easy street. You know them by their smoothies, cell phones, and animatronic insides.

Then there are rag dolls — the ones from the wrong side of town.

Hilary Williams’s dolls hail from the scrap heap, but they know how to make their own fun.

She fashions each from recycled bits of vintage upholstery, drapes, faux fur, lace, and buttons. She scissors freehand and lets them take shape: Shoop was the lead dancer in a modern translation of Gone with the Wind. Jacie Bean likes jam and toast in the middle of the night. Belia won the spelling bee at her local community center last week.

The dolls have one mission: to spread some good old-fashioned comfort and joy.

Easy.

Available at Hilary’s studio, 2049 San Jose Avenue (415-341-7885 or hilaryatthecircus.com); Capsule Design Festival, Hayes Valley Green, at Hayes and Octavia Streets, May 25 (capsulesf.com).

EXPLORE
REI Kids’ Passport to Adventure
What: Incentive plan for outdoor exploration, with kid-friendly hikes, adventure journaling, and prizes for would-be John Muirs.
Why: It’s great outdoors.
When: Sign up starting Mon., 10 a.m.
Where: 840 Brannan St., b/t 7th & 8th Sts. (415-934-1938).

PLAY
Third Annual Grattan Fun Fest
What: Free school fundraiser with games, international food, and live music from the Bluebelles and the Cottontails.
Why: You’re not too cool for school.
When: Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Grattan Elementary School, 165 Grattan St., b/t Cole & Shrader Sts.

SEE
Wizard of Oz
What: Mountain Play presents the sentimental classic in the open air.
Why: There’s no place like the peak of Mt. Tam.
When: Thru June 15. Opens Sun., 1 p.m.
Where: Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre, 801 Panoramic Hwy., Mill Valley. Tickets online at mountainplay.org or call 415-383-1100.