45 years old, and, wow, what a figure!  39-22-33, with legs all the way up.  America's favorite "aspiration figure" celebrates the big 4-5 this month, and everyone's invited.

Mary Goodwin, who coordinated the Barbie Show and Birthday Party, said that she didn't have a Barbie as a child, but started to notice all the Barbie merchandise--everything from sleeping bags and cups to computer software and a new clothing line of Barbie couture for adult women. "I was astounded by how Barbie has become steeped into society."

Goodwin decided that a town as diverse as Fairbanks could embrace such an occasion and celebrate to the fullest. The art show will have Barbie and her accessories on display, people wearing Barbie fashion, and a Barbie poetry slam.

"The show is to both deconstruct and evaluate Barbie. Two Barbies are sold every sold every second around the world, and that has to have some impact," Goodwin says.

Linda Harriger, an administrative assistant in the music department will be displaying a Barbie and clothing that she won in a village raffle in the 1960's. "My sister and I learned to sew because of that Barbie," she said with a laugh.  "The truth is, I've never quit being a kid."

Barbie can have a deep and long lasting impact when it comes to a girls' childhood, as Diane Ruess, an administrator at Rasmuson library can attest. Ruess will be sharing a hand-made wooden carrying case that her father made for her doll and accessories that has "a great deal of sentimental value."

Barbie's birthday bash will be a major event, both here and around the world. There have been over 120 million Barbie dolls sold, showing that the doll is important to people both young and old. "This is something that is inter-generational," Goodwin said, "grandmothers and granddaughters can share this."

The Barbie Show will be open from November 1-12 in the Art department gallery.

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