Alice Gray

Alice Gray (1914–1994) was a passionate entomologist turned origami visionary at New York’s American Museum of Natural History. Known affectionately as the “Bug Lady,” she used her skills in scientific illustration and modeling to bring insects to life — both as real specimens and as beautiful folded creations.

In the 1960s, Alice whimsically began folding origami insects to adorn a small tree in her office. By 1972, her creations had inspired the first full-scale Holiday Origami Tree, which grew into a beloved annual tradition featuring hundreds of folded models across museum galleries.

Beyond her artistic contributions, Alice co-founded the Friends of the Origami Center of America in 1978 (now known as OrigamiUSA), helping to build a thriving origami community. Even after retiring in 1980, she continued volunteering at the museum and nurturing the folding tradition for years to come.