Patricia Kislevitz, her husband, Harry, who was already inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame, and their company, Colorforms, were pioneers in multiple ways. They met as art students, and when they decided to redecorate their home, they were faced with a problem: the high price of paint. As they explored affordable alternatives, they used a roll of thin colorful vinyl, which turned into an attractive fix for their bland walls. An art student herself, Patricia embraced their potential, cutting the vinyl into beautiful art pieces.

The first Colorforms set was hand-cut by the Kislevitz themselves. A thimble, a bottle, and a medicine container top were just some of the shapes used to make that very first set. It was designed by Patricia, and is now part of the permanent collection at the prestigious Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City. Fans can still purchase the Original Classic Colorforms Set, a reproduction of the set that started it all!

The Kislevitz’s were innovative marketers and licensors in an era before digital marketing. Starting the company in 1951 in their New York apartment, Pat led the design efforts during the early years. She was involved every day with her husband, Harry, in figuring out how to build a profitable business. The couple developed one of the first licensed-based toy companies in the era before Star Wars. Early licenses like Mickey Mouse, Holly Hobbie and Popeye in the 1950s proved that licensing works when marketing to children. The Kislevitzes also understood STEAM/STEM learning in an era where toys and education were in very different pots. Pat was in charge of the product development that led to their Colorforms products teaching the alphabet, counting, art, spatial learning in ways that had never been done before. In 1957, Pat developed Miss Weather which has taught three generations of American children about the weather. Paul Rand, the designer of the IBM logo said that Colorforms would inspire an entire generation of designers and architects. He then went on to design the classic Colorforms logo. 

Sets initially featured basic geometric shapes and bright primary colors on black or white backgrounds. Eventually, however, the Colorforms line evolved to include full-color illustrated play sets, games and puzzles, interactive books and creative activity sets for children. Since its inception, more than a billion Colorforms play sets have been produced and sold.

Colorforms has won numerous awards including being named a TOP 100 Toy of the 20th Century and even has its own Netflix show. 

Testimonial and Information from Hall of Fame webpage:

Patricia Kislevitz, her husband, Harry and their company, Colorforms, were pioneers in multiple ways. The Kislevitz’s were innovative marketers and licensors in an era before digital marketing. Starting the company in 1951 in their New York apartment, Pat led the design efforts during the early years. She was involved every day with her husband, Harry, in figuring out how to build a profitable business. The couple developed one of the first licensed-based toy companies in the era before Star Wars. Early licenses like Micky Mouse, Holly Hobbie and Popeye in the 1950s proved that licensing works when marketing to children. The Kislevitzes also understood STEAM/STEM learning in an era where toys and education were in very different pots. Pat was in charge of the product development that led to their Colorforms products teaching the alphabet, counting, art, spatial learning in ways that had never been done before. In 1957, Pat developed Miss Weather which has taught three generations of American children about the weather. Paul Rand, the designer of the IBM logo said that Colorforms would inspire an entire generation of designers and architects. He then went on to design the classic Colorforms logo.

Sets initially featured basic geometric shapes and bright primary colors on black or white backgrounds. Eventually, however, the Colorforms line evolved to include full-color illustrated play sets, games and puzzles, interactive books and creative activity sets for children. Since its inception, more than a billion Colorforms play sets have been produced and sold.

During the 1960-1980s the company did not have an in-house creative staff, relying instead on Pat’s own artistic direction provided to top freelance illustrators for layouts and finished work. Pat never forgot her art student roots and always volunteered to mentor young art students wanting to get into the toy industry or a classroom that needed a Colorforms set. Colorforms has won numerous awards including being named a TOP 100 Toy of the 20th Century.

Pat was a pioneer in another way. She told the story on film at the 2019 TOTY Awards of working with a husband who was bipolar. While he was a marketing genius, he also created lots of volatility within both the company and the industry. Pat was always there with a smile, some southern charm and with a guiding hand. In the late 1980s, the torch was passed from Pat to her sons Adam, Noah, David and Joshua who have all had successful careers in the toy industry.

The lasting impression of Colorforms on American culture and the pioneering work done by Pat and Harry certainly deserve them each a seat in the Hall of Fame! 

• Robert Moog, President and Co-Founder, University Games Corporation