Spend a day with Kitty Black Perkins!

PLEASE NOTE! THE VENUE FOR THIS EVENT HAS CHANGED.

We will begin our day with Kitty at the First Community Center of Spencer at 215 5th Street. We will move to the museum at 1:30 pm. The venues are within a 2-block walk of each other.

Date, Time & Locations:

Saturday, October 10, 2026

9:30 am to 1:30 pm:

First Community Center of Spencer at 215 5th Street, Spencer, NC 28159

1:30 pm to 4:00 pm:

At the NC Museum of Dolls, Toys & Miniatures at 440 South Salisbury Avenue, Spencer, NC 28159

Parking is free at both locations. Additional free parking for the first half of the event can be found in front of the museum 2 blocks away at 440 South Salisbury Avenue.

Our Special Guest:

Our guest is Kitty Black Perkins, creator of the first Black Barbie and Chief Designer of Fashions & Doll Concepts (1976-2003) for Mattel’s Barbie.

Kitty became the first Black designer at Mattel in 1976 and remained with the company for almost three decades, becoming the Chief Designer of Fashions and Doll Concepts. She designed Black Barbie in 1980 in addition to a long list of other iconic and beloved Mattel creations.

Kitty grew up in Spartanburg, SC. After high school, she moved to California and attended Los Angeles Trade Technical College. She graduated with a degree in fashion design, and she worked in the fashion industry for six years before her career at Mattel started.

In addition to Black Barbie, Kitty has worked on the designs of too many iconic Barbies to count – among them are the Sun Lovin’ Malibu line, Golden Dreams Christie and Barbie, Peaches ‘n Cream Barbie, Superstar Barbie, Day to Nite Barbie, Barbie and the Rockers, Brandi, and the Lounge Cats.

Kitty is a true legend in the doll community and beyond for her deep creativity and versatility, passion, dedication, and brand-defining designs. The world of Barbie wouldn’t be the same without her, and we are so honored and excited to welcome Kitty and a community of Barbie fans to the museum to celebrate her work!

Cost & Registration:

Registration is required. Registration closes on October 4. Scroll down to register.

Cost is $90 for museum members, $95 for non-members. You can become a member while you register if desired.

Add a souvenir t-shirt for $28.

Purchases:

• Raffle tickets will be available for purchase at this event. You will also be able to shop our Super Saturday Sale at the event’s first venue, which includes a wide selection of dolls, toys, plush, and more.
• Onsite purchases are optional. Cash or card accepted.
• All proceeds from this event benefit the NC Museum of Dolls, Toys & Miniatures, which is a 501c(3) nonprofit.

Book a Hotel

Book through Visit Rowan County to receive special perks for local lodging. For help making your reservation, call (704) 709-3410.

Our thanks to Visit Rowan County for supporting and sponsoring this special event.

FAQs

Can I bring items for Kitty to sign?

Yes – you may bring up to 2 items for Kitty to sign.

Signing will take place at the museum during the second half of our event, so you do not need to bring the items you want signed into the First Community Center of Spencer when the event begins. You’ll have a chance to fetch your items between venues.

There is no extra charge for signing.

You will receive a number in line from us, so no need to line up.

Can I get a photo with Kitty?

Yes! You can get a photo with Kitty while you’re getting your items signed.

There is no extra charge for a photo. We will use your phone or camera.

Is filming, photography, and social media sharing allowed?

Yes. Please be respectful other guests and do not film or share other guests without their permission.

Can I leave and re-enter the event?

Yes. Guests with special dietary considerations or other needs can exit the venue for lunch and re-enter.

Why did the venue change?

Due to overwhelming demand (yay!), we moved to a venue that could accommodate a larger group of seated guests for everyone’s comfort.

Questions?

Reach out to info@ncmdtm.org and we’d love to help.