Saturday April 21, 2007
Featuring Little Artshram, Rhythmic Adventures and 5th & 6th Graders from Central Grade Montessori presenting
"The Tipping Point" Puppet and Mask Performance
I traveled up north to beautiful Traverse City for Earth Day this year. I participated in the best Earth Day Celebration that I have ever attended. My dear friend Penny invited me to the annual community celebration, and I am sure glad I went! Traverse City has always had an annual parade for Earth Day. Local artists Penny and Dee Dee breathed new life into the holiday, by adding a community created Puppet Spectacle to the tradition. The addition has proved to be a wonderful way for their community to come together and celebrate, appreciate and educate one another in honor of the Earth. This year's theme was Global Warming.
The Art Center of Traverse City became an Earth Day Community Art Studio. Recycled items were transformed into giant puppets, instruments, masks, headgear, costumes, floats and other magical works of art. People from all ages and walks of life came together in solidarity using creativity and teamwork to create a public ritual in honor of Mother Earth. Weeks of community workshops with young people and adults alike, led to a breathtaking and educational parade filled with Puppet and Mask Theater, music and education. Sections of the parade included elements of Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Spirit. The event concluded with a mask and Puppet performance with original songs, dances and even raps. The skit was called, “Global Warming: The Tipping Point,” the performance was designed by the many participants. Hundreds of people participated and attended the parade. What a beautiful day!
Zach testing his egg
Penny and Petra
In honor of Year of the Pig, this year's parade featured a herd of pigs. Below are some photos of their birth.
Family Time
"The Tipping Point"
Workshops
Some of the incredible characters!
Dee Dee and Marc
The Day of the Parade!
The Parade and Performance
If you want to see some video footage that I took of the Parade go to:
http://www.youtube.com/PetraDaher
Happy Earth Day!
2 comments:
Yeah for Petra----a puppet lover and maker herself---Thank you for being our 2007 Guest Artist and for taking beautiful photographs of our work. We loved having you with us....let's do it again!
Hey Petra,
Looks like a great time. Wonderful work on the character faces. Especially loved the pigs and blue sky puppet.
Puppet Peace Power!
Love,
Dione
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