Kansas Doll Show Contests

🎨 Kansas Doll Show Contests 🎨

Under the Big Top – Where Every Doll Has a Chance to Shine

The Kansas Doll Show contests celebrate the incredible artistry, creativity, and heart poured into each doll. From intricate details to breathtaking overall presentation, our competitions provide a fun and meaningful way to showcase your work and be recognized by peers who truly understand the art. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or entering for the first time, the contest ring is your moment to step into the spotlight and let your doll shine under the big top.

Who Can Enter?

Both vendors and guests are welcome to participate.
All contestants must attend the show on both Saturday and Sunday.

How to Enter:

Pay the contest fee on the homepage of our website under the category you wish to enter.

Please note: only one entry is allowed per category. Contestants may enter multiple categories.

Contest Rules & Guidelines:

To ensure a smooth, fair, and enjoyable experience for everyone, all participants must carefully read and follow the rules. Failure to comply may result in disqualification.

Artists are responsible for selecting the division that best reflects their experience and skill level in the Reborn Doll Category. Judges reserve the right to reclassify entries if a division is clearly incorrect.

Participants may enter any kit of their choosing in any category, provided the kit meets all stated requirements for that category.

By submitting a contest entry, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to comply with all contest rules and guidelines.

We invite you to participate in the 2026 Kansas Doll Show Competitions and showcase your talent and craftsmanship. Categories are designed to provide an equal and fair opportunity for entrants of all skill levels. We wish all participants the very best of luck and look forward to celebrating your artistry!

General Rules for All Contest Entries:

Eligibility

All contest entries must be 100% completed by the submitting artist. No outside assistance is allowed, except for purchased items such as clothing, hair, eyes, or kits.
Entries that include work done by others without express permission are subject to disqualification.

Originality and Permission

All entries must be original works of the contestant.
Use of any kit, mold, or parts created by another artist requires express permission. Unauthorized use will result in disqualification.

Minimum Entry Requirement

A minimum of six (6) entries is required for any category to proceed.
Categories that do not meet this minimum may be canceled or combined at the discretion of KDS.

Contest Fees

Contest entry fees must be paid at the time of entry to secure a spot in the category.
Fees are non-refundable, non-exchangeable, and non-transferable.
Submission of a paid entry constitutes acceptance of all contest rules, requirements, and judging procedures.

Submission Deadline

Deadline to enter: August 1, 2026, or until the category is sold out, whichever comes first.

Number of Entries Per Artist

Each artist may submit one entry per category.
Each entry requires a separate entry form and fee.

Presentation

Entries must conform to the display and presentation rules for their specific category.
Props may be used only if allowed within the category rules and must remain within the designated display area or dimensions.
Entries should be neat, professional, and suitable for general viewing. Excessively dark, gory, or horror-themed entries are not permitted.

Identification

All entries must be clearly labeled with the sticker number assigned at setup.
For categories using KDS-provided baskets, the sticker number must be placed on the blanket in a visible location.

Size and Dimensions

Entries must fit within the size or display dimensions specified for their category.
Contestants are responsible for ensuring their entry fits securely within the space.
Note: exact dimensions will be provided later.

Skill Levels & Entry Divisions

The Reborn category is divided by experience level, and artists are responsible for selecting the appropriate division to ensure fair judging. All other categories are judged together without divisions, regardless of experience.

Beginner Division

New to doll artistry
Learning foundational techniques
Little or no contest experience

Judging focus: Foundational skills, effort, and overall presentation

Intermediate Division

Confident in basic techniques
Producing consistent, realistic work
Refining skills

Judging focus: Technical skill, realism, materials, and presentation

Advanced Division

Highly experienced and skilled
Producing professional-quality work
Comfortable with advanced techniques

Judging focus: Refinement, mastery, creativity, and overall impact

Anonymity & Handling:

All entries must remain anonymous at all times.
Entries must be fully covered before entering the contest staging area.
Do not touch your entry once it is displayed.
Do not reveal or discuss which entry is yours until judging and voting are complete.
Dolls may not be published online prior to submission.
KDS staff will handle all entries carefully, and judges may manipulate dolls slightly for inspection.

Judging & Pickup

KDS staff does not participate in judging.
Entries must be staged Saturday morning before the show begins.
Once judging starts, artists may not return to their entry until judging is complete.
Entries must be picked up after judging at the contest staging area.
Vendors may display their entry for sale at their table / booth after judging.
Non-vendors may not sell entries or provide business information at the show; this policy protects and supports our registered vendors.

Media, Social Media & Liability

KDS retains the right to photograph all contest entries.
Photos and entry information may be used for promotional purposes.
Attendee photography is for personal use only; commercial use is prohibited without artist permission.
Contestants may not post their entries online until after judging is complete.
KDS is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged entries or display items.
Handling Disclaimer: While care is taken, KDS is not responsible for damage during judging or display.

People's Choice Voting

People's Choice is voted on by attendees.
Contestants may not solicit votes.
A doll may win its category placement and also receive People's Choice.

Compliance / Legal

All entries must comply with KDS rules, safety guidelines, and copyright regulations.
Illegally produced, plagiarized, or otherwise non-compliant entries will be disqualified.
By entering, contestants affirm that all entries comply with copyright laws, safety regulations, and KDS guidelines.
Judges’ decisions are final, and KDS is not responsible for disputes between contestants.

Submission & Drop-Off

Entries must be dropped off at the contest staging area during designated times on the website.
All entries must be fully completed and display-ready.
Contestants must provide any display materials required for their category.

Entry Categories & Awards:

Reborn Dolls (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced)

Size: Newborn, 17–20 inches
Awards: 1st, 2nd, 3rd place awards. This category will also have a Best Ethnic Reborn Award.
Requirements: Baskets are provided by KDS, the sticker must be visible, the doll must wear a plain white onesie with no belly plates, a white blanket must be brought to cover the basket and serve as a base for the doll, and contestants must provide any props needed inside the basket to securely pose the doll.

Reborn Toddler

Size: Toddler, Approximately 24–36 inches
Any skin tone
Must stand upright or sit securely
Display within designated dimensions (Dimensions will be provided later.)
Props/clothing may be used, fitting character (may be purchased)
Awards: 1st, 2nd, 3rd place awards. This category will also have a Best Ethnic Reborn Award.
Requirements: Must stand upright or sit securely and fit within the designated display dimensions. Clothing and props may be used to enhance the character and may be purchased. Judging will focus on realism, hair, skin, clothing, and overall execution.
Judging: realism, hair, skin, overall execution

Reborn Animal

Based on animal reborn kits
Contestants may use any animal reborn vinyl kit of their choice.
Props/clothing appropriate to animal
Requirements: Contestants must provide their own display materials, may use props only within the designated display dimensions, must keep the entry suitable for general viewing, and entries that are excessively dark or gory are not permitted. (Dimensions will be provided later.)
Judging: paint, textures, fur/skin/feathers, overall artistic execution
Awards: 1st, 2nd, 3rd place awards

Silicone Dolls

Full-body, sculpted or kit-based
Contestants may use any full-body silicone kit of their choice.
Dolls may be sculpted by the submitting artist or painted from a purchased silicone kit.
Any skin tone
Must wear a diaper only. No clothing, accessories, or props are allowed.
Requirements: Baskets provided, sticker visible.
Judging: paint, skin, hair, clothing, overall presentation, mastery of concept and design, quality and execution
Awards: 1st, 2nd, 3rd place awards. This category will also have a Best Ethnic Reborn Award.

Fantasy Reborn

Modified dolls: fairies, mermaids, vampires, hybrids, etc.
Contestants may use any vinyl kit of their choice.
Kits may be modified or sculpted
Clothing/props allowed within area
Requirements: Contestants must provide their own display materials, may use props only within the designated display dimensions, must keep the entry suitable for general viewing, and entries that are excessively dark or gory are not permitted.
Judging: paint, hair, concept, overall execution
Awards: 1st, 2nd, 3rd place awards.

Fantasy Silicone Dolls

Fantasy/hybrid silicone dolls
Dolls may be sculpted by the submitting artist or painted from a purchased silicone kit.
Modified kits allowed
Clothing/props allowed
Requirements: Contestants must provide their own display materials, may use props only within the designated display dimensions, must keep the entry suitable for general viewing, and entries that are excessively dark or gory are not permitted.
Judging: paint, silicone quality, hair, concept, execution
Awards: 1st, 2nd, 3rd place awards.

Clay Sculpture

Sculptures may be of any subject, including realistic or imaginative designs. Suitable for general viewing.
Requirements: Contestants must provide their own display materials, must stay within the designated display dimensions, and entries that are excessively dark or gory are not permitted.
Props allowed only to support/enhance sculpture
Judging: artistic appearance, concept, creativity, quality of workmanship, attention to detail, technique, texture, form
Awards: 1st, 2nd, 3rd place awards.

Trophies & Awards Banquet

Contestants are not required to attend the Awards Banquet to receive their category awards or recognition.
Trophies for contestants who do not attend the Banquet must be picked up in person on Sunday at the Kansas Doll Show. KDS does not ship trophies.
While attendance is optional, we highly recommend that contestants join the Awards Banquet to celebrate their achievements, connect with fellow artists, and enjoy special recognition in person.

Thank you for taking the time to read all contest rules, guidelines, and category details for the 2026 Kansas Doll Show. By entering, you are joining a community of talented artists who share a passion for dolls and the artistry behind them.

Remember: all entries must be your own work, fit within the designated dimensions, and comply with contest rules. Choose the correct skill division, follow presentation guidelines, and keep your entry anonymous until judging is complete. Attendance at the Awards Banquet is optional, but trophies for those who do not attend must be picked up in person on Sunday. KDS does not ship awards.

We encourage you to participate, connect with fellow artists, and enjoy every moment of the show. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced artist, the contests are designed to celebrate your creativity, skill, and dedication. Step into the spotlight, let your dolls shine under the big top, and make memories that will last a lifetime!

Kansas Doll Show Contests

🎨 Kansas Doll Show Contests 🎨

Under the Big Top – Where Every Doll Has a Chance to Shine

​

Who Can Enter?

Both vendors and guests are welcome to participate.

All contestants must attend the show on both Saturday and Sunday.

​

How to Enter:

Pay the contest fee on the homepage of our website under the category you wish to enter.

Please note: only one entry is allowed per category. Contestants may enter multiple categories.​

​

Contest Rules & Guidelines:

To ensure a smooth, fair, and enjoyable experience for everyone, all participants must carefully read and follow the rules. Failure to comply may result in disqualification.

Artists are responsible for selecting the division that best reflects their experience and skill level in the Reborn Doll Category. Judges reserve the right to reclassify entries if a division is clearly incorrect.

Participants may enter any kit of their choosing in any category, provided the kit meets all stated requirements for that category.

By submitting a contest entry, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to comply with all contest rules and guidelines.

General Rules for All Contest Entries:

Eligibility

All contest entries must be 100% completed by the submitting artist. No outside assistance is allowed, except for purchased items such as clothing, hair, eyes, or kits.

Entries that include work done by others without express permission are subject to disqualification.

Originality and Permission

All entries must be original works of the contestant.

Use of any kit, mold, or parts created by another artist requires express permission. Unauthorized use will result in disqualification.

Minimum Entry Requirement

A minimum of six (6) entries is required for any category to proceed.

Categories that do not meet this minimum may be canceled or combined at the discretion of KDS.

Contest Fees

Contest entry fees must be paid at the time of entry to secure a spot in the category.

Fees are non-refundable, non-exchangeable, and non-transferable.

Submission of a paid entry constitutes acceptance of all contest rules, requirements, and judging procedures.

Submission Deadline

Deadline to enter: August 1, 2026, or until the category is sold out, whichever comes first.

Number of Entries Per Artist

Each artist may submit one entry per category.

Each entry requires a separate entry form and fee.

Presentation

Entries must conform to the display and presentation rules for their specific category.

Props may be used only if allowed within the category rules and must remain within the designated display area or dimensions.

Entries should be neat, professional, and suitable for general viewing. Excessively dark, gory, or horror-themed entries are not permitted.

Identification

All entries must be clearly labeled with the sticker number assigned at setup.

For categories using KDS-provided baskets, the sticker number must be placed on the blanket in a visible location.

Size and Dimensions

Entries must fit within the size or display dimensions specified for their category.

Contestants are responsible for ensuring their entry fits securely within the space.

Note: exact dimensions will be provided later.

Skill Levels & Entry Divisions

The Reborn category is divided by experience level, and artists are responsible for selecting the appropriate division to ensure fair judging. All other categories are judged together without divisions, regardless of experience.

Beginner Division

New to doll artistry

Learning foundational techniques

Little or no contest experience

Judging focus: Foundational skills, effort, and overall presentation

Intermediate Division

Confident in basic techniques

Producing consistent, realistic work

Refining skills

Judging focus: Technical skill, realism, materials, and presentation

Advanced Division

Highly experienced and skilled

Producing professional-quality work

Comfortable with advanced techniques

Judging focus: Refinement, mastery, creativity, and overall impact

Anonymity & Handling:

All entries must remain anonymous at all times.

Entries must be fully covered before entering the contest staging area.

Do not touch your entry once it is displayed.

Do not reveal or discuss which entry is yours until judging and voting are complete.

Dolls may not be published online prior to submission.

KDS staff will handle all entries carefully, and judges may manipulate dolls slightly for inspection.

Judging & Pickup

KDS staff does not participate in judging.

Entries must be staged Saturday morning before the show begins.

Once judging starts, artists may not return to their entry until judging is complete.

Entries must be picked up after judging at the contest staging area.

Vendors may display their entry for sale at their table / booth after judging.

Non-vendors may not sell entries or provide business information at the show; this policy protects and supports our registered vendors.

​

Media, Social Media & Liability

Please note: only one entry is allowed per category. Contestants may enter multiple categories.