Puppetry exhibit at Florida CraftArt
I have had a fascination with puppets since elementary school. First, there was an in-school wayang kulit (Indonesian shadow puppet) presentation that sparked interest in the art. Shortly after that, I took a trip to Mexico and was completely enamored with the copious amounts of marionettes found in local markets. I brought a couple home with me, determined to make one of my own, which I did and still have.
World on a String: Masters of Puppetry was a special treat for me. The exhibit showcases a wide range of puppet styles from around the world, from Burma to Belgium, from Indonesia to Italy. There were some of Mexican origin in the mix and although I have a special place for those in my heart, they were not the most impressive in terms of craftsmanship and detail. As an added bonus, there were puppet creations by local artists, including Calan Ree, Daniel Mrgan, Simon Boses and Catherine Bergmann.
This exhibit runs until August 15, 2015 at Florida CraftArt in St. Pete.