Celebrating MerMay
“What in the world is MerMay?” you ask. According to Google, MerMay is a month-long celebration of creativity, community, and above all … MERMAIDS. Tom Bancroft is credited for coining the term “MerMay” – the merging of the two words “Mermaid” and “May.” Mermay started as an art challenge that happens in May, where artists from all around the world draw mermaids. The challenge is to draw a mermaid every day of May, from the first to the last day of the month, referencing daily keyword prompts like “warrior” or “shipwreck,” etc., with MerMay creator Tom Bancroft as head judge of the contest.
Mermaid Madness. Due to the enduring popularity of the subject of mermaids, artistic expression featuring these fantastical creatures, especially during the month of May, goes well beyond the parameters of Mr. Bancroft’s original MerMay art challenge. For instance, Instagram and Youtube doll customizers often collaborate to create their own doll versions of mermaids and reveal them to followers during the month of May. And, coincidentally, this May, Disney is releasing a live-action movie version of the earlier animated adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, “The Little Mermaid.” I guess May truly is the month of mermaid madness.
A serious case of Mermania complicated by Glittermania. Several months ago I caught a bad case of mermania and started buying mermaid and seaside decor – lighthouses, doll-size lifeguard chairs and beach chairs, starfish, and plaques proclaiming mermaid allegiance. Then the glittermania bug kicked in, and I compulsively started painting mermaids with glittered hair and tails. I don’t think I’ve fully recovered yet, as I still have a strong desire to do lots of “mermaidy” creative projects – WITH GLITTER. After the life-changing experience of seeing heart-stopping vivid aqua glitter glued all over my fingers while completing a particularly messy mermaid art project, I knew I’d have to cover more stuff in glitter. I’m thinking a custom doll of some sort. Most probably a mermaid – although by the time I get around it it, May will have morphed into June, July, and beyond.
Embrace your inner mermaid. If we are being honest, we must admit there’s an inner mermaid (or merman) in each of us struggling to break free from the societal confines that dull our brightness and hold us back from becoming the best version of ourselves. Personally, I’ve decided to put a little more sparkle in my everyday life and enjoy the beauty of every moment in whatever way I can. And despite the inevitable downer moments, I’ll try hard to remember that mermaids don’t lose sleep over the opinions of shrimp!
In honor of MerMay – the art challenge and beyond – DOLL-WORLD is offering 20% off any order from our shop during the month of May. Just use the discount code MERMAY during checkout and enjoy the savings. And don’t forget to embrace your inner mermaid every day of every month – not just in May!
