KENT, Conn.—The Kent Art Association will host the Connecticut Guild of Puppetry’s exhibition, “State of the Art: Connecticut Puppetry” at the Kent Art Associationfrom July 3 through Aug. 9.
Nearly 100 years of artistry will be on display, bringing together aspects of this performing art from all corners of the state. The Connecticut Guild of Puppetry is in its 52nd year and will highlight members’ works, including hand puppets by Michael Graham, who attended our first meeting in April of 1974.
Puppeteers live across the state and include independent artists to TV performers. Teaching artists, educators and libraries use puppetry as a tool to reach diverse learners through this dynamic visual theater option for storytelling.
Connecticut has a deep and rich history of puppetry, from Margo Rose in the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame, to Frank Ballard, who founded UConn’s Puppet Arts program, which led to the opening of the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry. The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center’s National Puppetry Conference —which recently celebrated its 36th year hosting participating puppet artists from around the world—will be represented in this exhibit.
Visitors will see an array of contemporary and historic puppets on display, including original artwork by famed “Sesame Street” performer Caroll Spinney, as well as a selection of more than 30 images from the exhibition “American Puppet Theater Today: The Photography of Richard Termine,” courtesy of the Jim Henson Foundation.
The exhibit is on view Thursday through Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m., and Sunday noon to 4 p.m. with events, workshops and performance throughout the five weeks.
Friday, July 3, there will be an opening reception from 2 to 4 p.m. at the gallery, 21 South Main St., with a parade in the evening in town. Friday, July 17, a Puppetry Hand Skills workshop for adults will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. ($65), and Saturday, July 25, “Slam-a-lot 2,” an evening of short form puppet theater will be held at 7 p.m. at the Kent Community House.
During Sidewalk Sale Days puppetry vendors will be on the street from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 7, 8 and 9. Sunday, Aug 9, a closing reception is planned from 2 to 4 p.m. with puppet shows at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.