Puppet Construction and Watercolor Workshops

Release Date: 2/17/2001. Expired: 3/10/2001

The Renaissance Center Visual Arts Department is hosting two one-day workshops in March. Puppet construction with the Wood & Strings Puppet Theatre will be held 1-3 p.m., Saturday, March 10, 2001. Tuition is $35 and registration deadline has been extended to March 9. This workshop is open to adults and students 5th grade and older. The second workshop is Watercolor with The Renaissance Center Art Faculty 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Tuesday, March 20, 2001. Tuition is $50 and registration deadline is March 13.

Students in the Puppet Construction workshop are advised to select their own character to recreate. A well-known fairy tale or rhyme can be chosen or an original personality may be created. Students will have access to a wide array of materials and may also use items from home to bring their puppet to life. This workshop is open to adults and children 5th grade and older.

“Puppet making remains unique even though it is ages old,” stated Bob Kucher, director of visual arts. “As with other art forms, it requires the artist to be imaginative and creative, adding to or taking from to bring the project to completion. The end product is a character that easily and delightfully comes to life by simply using movement and voice.”

The Wood & Strings Puppet Theatre based in Centerville uses the art of puppetry to incorporate the arts and education. They conduct several residencies in script writing, puppet making, set design, movement, songwriting, and more. These theatre arts workshops and residencies have a threefold focus incorporated into a comprehensive education program. Because students find the arts fascinating and fun, they become enthusiastic interactive participants in their education.

Kucher adds, “I am excited about offering yet another uniquely different workshop in our Saturday series. The puppet construction workshop is great for educators to incorporate into their curriculum. It offers new and exciting ways for children to learn about communication skills, teamwork and imagination.”

The Watercolor workshop on March 20 will incorporate the basics of transparent and opaque water-based media. Students will learn general color mixing, wash techniques and non-traditional processes as they apply to watercolor. Subject matter for the finished piece will be left to the student; therefore, students are requested to bring sketches and ideas.

“All materials for the watercolor workshop will be provided by The Renaissance Center,” stated Kucher. “The goal is for all students to leave with a completed work having learned along the way proper techniques and processes. This workshop is great for everyone from the beginner to the experienced.”

To register or obtain more information for the Puppet Construction workshop and/or the Watercolor Workshop, call the center at (615)740-5600.