Jack Johnston of Johnston Original Art Dolls (North Salt Lake, Utah) will receive the Crystal Award sponsored by Jones Publishing Inc. for his promotion of doll art and collecting. This award will be presented at the 2008 Doll & Teddy Bear EXPO.
     The Crystal Award recognizes an individual or group demonstrating leadership in, and making major contributions to the doll and/or teddy bear industries by way of innovation, marketing expertise and creativity. Recipients must also demonstrate an outstanding ability to inspire new collectors, grow enthusiasm among current collectors, and generate excitement both inside and outside of the industry. Past recipients of the Crystal Award include Robert Tonner of the Tonner Doll Co. and Marie Osmond with Marie Osmond Dolls and Charisma Brands.
     Jack Johnston is the founder of Johnston Original Art Dolls. Johnston, a professional marketer turned dollmaker, rose from an unknown to one of the industry’s brightest stars. Johnston possesses an amazing ability to teach others the skills to make remarkable dolls. Johnston is passionate about passing his love of dollmaking onto others. In 1992, he started The Professional Doll Makers Art Guild, a non-profit organization for professional and semi-professional dollmakers. The Guild assists members in achieving success in the world of professional doll making. Johnston exemplifies every quality a Crystal Award Winner must possess (promotion, marketing and outreach expertise) and is deserving of this prestigious award.
     The Crystal Award will be presented during the Doll & Teddy Bear EXPO on Aug. 9, in Washington D.C at the Marriot Wardman Park Hotel. An awards gala reception will honor the achievements of Jack Johnston and other artists in the industry.