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5 Fast Facts: International Day of Play

Blog Category:  5 Fast Facts
A metal tin with a colorful jigsaw puzzle inside is open on a white surface. The tin's lid displays an illustration of a woman with long hair and a blue top, labeled "ART." Some puzzle pieces are scattered outside the tin.
June 11, 2026
6/11/26

Did you know that June 11 is International Day of Play? Impress your friends with facts about NMWA collection artists whose personal stories and artworks remind us to take time to play!

A metal tin with a colorful jigsaw puzzle inside is open on a white surface. The tin's lid displays an illustration of a woman with long hair and a blue top, labeled "ART." Some puzzle pieces are scattered outside the tin.
Yayoi Kusama, Puzzle (with case), 2009 (based on Yayoi Kusama, Self-Portrait, 2008); 200-piece jigsaw puzzle, assembled: 16 x 11 in.; Published by RxArt; National Museum of Women in the Arts, Gift of Steven Scott, Baltimore; Photo courtesy of RxArt

1. Pool Not Included

Niki de Saint Phalle (1930–2002) designed low-cost inflatable versions of her exuberant female sculptures because she “…thought it was a shame that everyone couldn’t afford to have a work of art.” Floating Nana (1968, produced 1980), created in a range of sizes and colors, made Saint Phalle’s artwork widely accessible, raised money for her monumental projects, and buoyed swimmers and art lovers alike.

2. Some Assembly Required

Artwork by Yayoi Kusama (b. 1929) and Regina Silveira (b. 1939) come in the form of puzzles. When finished, Kusama’s Puzzle (2009) reveals a vibrant polka-dotted self-portrait. Silveira’s To Be Continued… (Latin American Puzzle) (1997, reissued 2001) is made up of black-and-white images reflecting the diversity of Latin America. It can be assembled in myriad ways yet is never complete.

A completed jigsaw puzzle featuring a stylized portrait of a person with yellow skin, red lips, white hair, and a purple top, set against a dark, textured background.
Yayoi Kusama, Puzzle (with case), 2009 (based on Yayoi Kusama, Self-Portrait, 2008); 200-piece jigsaw puzzle, assembled: 16 x 11 in.; Published by RxArt; National Museum of Women in the Arts, Gift of Steven Scott, Baltimore; Photo courtesy of RxArt

3. First Editions

Jessie Tarbox Beals (1870–1942), the first published female photojournalist in the United States, captured this portrait of another pioneer, Rose O’Neill (1874–1944). O’Neill, America’s first published female cartoonist, invented the internationally popular Kewpie doll. These cherubic characters were seen as problem-solvers and even stood up for women’s right to vote!

A woman with light skin tone smiles out at the viewer from a dramatically lit black-and-white photograph. Her wavy fair hair is pulled back in an old-fashioned style, and she wears a dark gown with sequins and ruffles as well as a silk wrap.
Jessie Tarbox Beals, Rose Harris O’Neill, Mother of Kewpies, ca. 1914; Gelatin silver print, 9 1/2 x 7 1/2 in.; National Museum of Women in the Arts, Gift of Jill and Jeffrey Stern
A cartoon baby in a dress floats on a cloud, holding a large sign that reads “Votes for Women.” The stick has “Women Suffrage” on it. Colorful text below says, “Did I get your vote?”.
Campbell Art Co. (after Rose O’Neill), Kewpie postcard promoting the Women’s Suffrage movement, 1914; Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
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4. Alphabet Games

India’s first book artist, Priya Pereira (b. 1967), creates works that recall childhood memories of playing. The Other Side of ABC (2003) “is based on a street toy sold by the wandering balloon sellers,” Pereira explains. It includes 13 reflective ambigrams and a mirror that reveals the entire 26-letter Latin alphabet.

Two colorful, intricately folded paper structures display a mix of abstract images, shapes, and large typewritten letters against a plain dark background. The paper pieces are propped open, revealing their graphic designs.
Priya Pereira, The Other Side of ABC, 2003; Artist’s book published by Pixie Bks; Photo by Lee Stalsworth

5. Be Dazzled!

Mickalene Thomas (b. 1971) created Portrait de Priscilla la Petite Chienne Deux : ) (2012) with artmakers in mind. This limited-edition print comes with crayons, glitter, and Thomas’s signature rhinestones. Owners can add their own touch to this portrait of the artist’s beloved dachshund Priscilla.

About the Author

—Adrienne L. Gayoso is senior educator at the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

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