KENT, Conn.—The Kent Art Association’s current show brings together nearly a century of artistry, celebrating Connecticut’s place in the world of puppetry through the work of artists, educators, performers and innovators.
Visitors to the KAA will discover a collection of contemporary and historic puppets from the Connecticut Guild of Puppetry celebrating the creativity, craftsmanship and storytelling of Connecticut puppeteers.
A number of events are planned in conjunction with the exhibition. The next will be Saturday, July 25, at 7 p.m. when “Slam-a-Lot,” an evening of short-form puppet theater, will be presented at the Kent Community House.
During Kent Sidewalk Sale Days, Friday through Sunday, Aug. 7 through 9, puppetry vendors will be featured at the Kent Art Association Gallery from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The exhibition closes Sunday, Aug. 9, with two performances by TJ Jacobs of “Spinning Straw into Gold” by Rolande Duprey. The first show will be at 11 a.m. and the second at 1 p.m. A closing reception will be held from 2 to 4 p.m.
The exhibition highlights the pioneering work of the University of Connecticut Puppet Arts Program, the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry, and the National Puppetry Conference at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center.
It also feature works by Connecticut puppeteers and artists such as Marilyn O’Connor Miller, Fred Thompson, Michael Graham, Robin McCahill, Anatar Gagné, Lisa Buckley, Bob Fappiano, Adelka Polak, Justin Perlman, Rolande Duprey, Joy Brown, Ellen Moon, Susan Aziz, Christine Altman, Liz Crawford, Richard Smith, Matt Sorenson, Bart Roccoberton and Richard Termine.
Ensemble-built puppets from “The Legend of the Charter Oak,” Darren Wood’s Flock Theater, and Heather Henson’s work with The Jim Henson Creature Shop are on view, as is a selection of more than 30 images from the exhibition, “American Puppet Theater Today: The Photography of Richard Termine,” displayed courtesy of the Jim Henson Foundation.
The exhibition displays posthumous works by master builders Larry Hunt, Caroll Spinney, Rufus and Margo Rose and additional treasures from the Ballard Institute & Museum of Puppetry.
It is open to the public Thursday through Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m.; Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
The gallery is located at 21 South Main Street.