First, I wanted to say that my *shop my closet* sale is going to have to wait til next week unfortunately. I've been super sick the past two days and then we have some family events going on the rest of the week, so it's just not going to happen. But if you were interested in the sale, do check back next week!
Also, I realize for some it might be a bit EARLY for Christmas talk.. and I might agree. ; ) We did already go to our first holiday event of the season YESTERDAY, election day, of all days. It was a totally unexpected outing. I was browsing online the night before trying to find something to do with the boys since they were out of school for the election and as I was checking out the Center for Puppetry Arts website (one of the most amazing places in Atlanta - so full of pride that it is in our city!) to see if there was a puppet show I could take the boys to. I noticed that their Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer production was going to be starting soon. (We see it every year!)
I ended up on their Facebook page and saw that they were showing it on Election day at half-price! Well... they had me at half-price.
If you are a fan of the original movie by Rankin-Bass, then you must see this production if you live in or near Atlanta. Or make a special trip! It's totally worth it not only to see this show, but also the museum. There are incredible permanent exhibits that are swoonworthy for any lover of puppets. Or Muppets! There's a permanent Jim Henson exhibit (I'll share photos below).
Here's a little tidbit about the Center:
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. The first puppetry center in the United States, today it is the largest American organization solely dedicated to the art of puppet theater.
So very cool right? Read more about the Center's history here.
I took some photos throughout the museum while we were there (non-flash photography is approved.) I'd love to go back and get some better photos, maybe during a time of the week when it isn't so busy. Also, my wide angle lens has been broken for a looong time now. I could've really used it here. I hope to rectify that soon.
This is in the main open area. These exhibits have been there for as long as I've been visiting the center.
I know, did you just die from the Fraggle cuteness? I need to find some Fraggle episodes for the boys to watch. They've never seen it.
Near the Fraggles is a Labyrinth exhibit. I loved this movie as a kid! I wasn't able to get a lot of good pics because it's kind of dark (you can see a few more in my Instagram feed). Campbell just watched it with me for the first time several weeks ago and loved it. After we went to the museum, we came home and watched it again, all three of us - Coop's first time. He loved it! I kept thinking how amazing it would be to have a masquerade party at Halloween à la Labyrinth.
And here are some from the Muppets/Jim Henson room...
I love Dr. Teeth's stripey sleeves and colorful fringe!
And Jim himself..
After doing some Googling for images, I saw that the Center for Puppetry Arts actually had a display of the REAL characters from the original stop-motion Rankin-Bass movie in 2006. I wish I had known! How cool is that? I wonder where they are now?
After seeing a puppet show at the Center, they usually have a little shadow puppet workshop that is free for the kids (and adults!) The character you make usually families with the show's theme, so we got to make a Herme the Elf! I was so excited because the few years before they've made Rudolph, so I was ready for a new character. And he's my favorite character!
It's a classroom setting and they have a screen set up so you can test out your puppet. SO cute.
I always leave this place so inspired, and yesterday I checked the site to see if they have any puppet-making classes for adults. After seeing Being Elmo, I really wanted to learn how to make handsewn puppets. Maybe one day I'll actually make the time to learn how.
Are you into puppets? Do you make them?
