Center for Puppetry Arts

Kermit, The Frog was one of the first puppets I have seen. I remember thinking that he was so funny, and trying to figure out the mechanism behind his moving mouth and hands. Kermit is the most famous character of his creator, Jim Henson. Henson began experimenting with different techniques that changed the way in which puppetry was used on television altogether. He believed that puppets that would appear on television should be 'sensitive and have life. He made very flexible characters that were able to express more emotions that previous ones. Henson used rods to move the puppets' arms as opposed to strings like a marionette. This allowed for more control of expression. He also wanted the puppet characters to seem like they were actually speaking, rather than making random movements with their mouths, so he orchestrated precise mouth movements to match the dialogue. 

What a great opportunity it was to visit the stars in the puppetry world! The iconic puppets Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog were on display. Attendees also got to experience the history of how Jim Hanson's characters came alive. 

"The Center for Puppetry Arts opened to the public on September 23, 1978, when Kermit the Frog and his creator Jim Henson cut the ceremonial ribbon. Today it is the largest American non-profit organization solely dedicated to the art of puppet theater." 

The Center for Puppetry Arts was once recognized by from Newsweek as "one of the most exciting companies in American theater." 

“If you care about what you do and work hard at it, there isn't anything you can't do if you want to.” 
― Jim Henson, It's Not Easy Being Green: And Other Things to Consider

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and it may be necessary from time to time to give a stupid or misinformed beholder a black eye.” ― Jim Henson

“Watch out for each other. Love everyone and forgive everyone, including yourself. Forgive your anger. Forgive your guilt. Your shame. Your sadness. Embrace and open up your love, your joy, your truth, and most especially your heart.” ― Jim Henson

“When I was young, my ambition was to be one of the people who made a difference in this world. My hope is to leave the world a little better for having been there. ” ― Jim Henson

Jim Henson Interviews:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9hoGTszGBQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEWB0zuZvlI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIlvWhafJFo

I think I became a 6 year old child today when I saw Big Bird and I wish I could actually hug him. 

Also on display were a Global Collection, which celebrated puppetry traditions in different cultures from around the world. It showcased the history of puppetry in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The collection also "demonstrates the use of the art form as a teaching and communication tool."