Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Brian Henson Presenting at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta

I love Jim Henson Company films and television shows such as Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal and Farscape for both their wonderful stories and their amazing puppetry. Couple my love of these films with a childhood spent watching The Muppets and you have a puppetry fan lucky to live in Atlanta where we have The Center for Puppetry Arts, a fantastic resource for puppetry shows spanning varying audiences, both in age and interest, and a standing collection of puppets often augmented with touring exhibitions and classes.

In keeping with their excellent programming The Center will host "Brian Henson: The Future of Digital Puppetry" on Sunday, September 28, 2008. Henson is co-CEO of the Jim Henson Company and Executive Director of "Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars." He will present an overview and history of the Jim Henson Company's puppetry legacy while also exploring new advances in voice and puppeteering using computers. Tickets are still available and cost $10 for non-members, while members are free. If you haven't visited The Center yet now is a great time since they are also hosting the exhibit "Jim Henson: Wonders From His Workshop" through September of next year. More than anything, The Center for Puppetry Arts is a multi-generational resource for anyone who enjoys creativity, art, and the general need to see imagination brought to life.

- Christopher Bishop

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE JIM HENSON COMPANY/KERMIT THE FROG ©THE MUPPETS STUDIO, LLC

Monday, September 8, 2008

East Atlanta Strut - Sept. 20th

I live in the greatest little community imaginable, East Atlanta, an area with lots of eclectic happenings year round. Saturday, September 20th, is the annual East Atlanta Strut, a now eleven year old celebration of all the wonderful things represented by this diverse community. The day starts with a 5k run before transitioning into a fun parade with lots of colorful participants, music, arts and crafts, a giant book sale, and lots of food. I highly recommend the Strut for anyone interested in a historic Atlanta community's take on civic expression.

- Christopher Bishop