No bikes for girls in Afghanistan

 I was so sad to hear this:

https://www.npr.org/2022/11/30/1139848255/post-taliban-takeover-riding-a-bike-is-out-of-the-question-for-afghan-women

Bicycles have always been important to the independence of women in many parts of the world, a history that is part of Bike Part Art workshops where we can make these versions of the Galimoto, an African folk toy.

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Bee puppet, under construction!

 

Summer Art Making at the Kennebunk Beach Improvement Association

 

We had a great summer of art making at KBIA with printmaking,jewelry,drawing, painting, bookmaking and of course PUPPETS!

Kennebunkport Historical Society Family Fun Day- 8-27-2022

 Thaumatropes were popularized  by John Ayrton Paris in 1827, although earlier examples of what became a Victorian optical toy have been acknowledged. A single image on the back and front of a paper disc become combined when the disc is spun due to the "persistence of vision".

Kinetic Circus at the Curran

A couple weeks ago I had the pleasure of travelling up tothe 19th Century Curran Homestead to teach my wire working class ,Kinetic Circus, We worked in the newly completed and enlarged Print shop.

Monarch Butterfly Clothespin Puppet

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/RPJIDya774E

1st Annual Spring Pollinator Festival

Barn Band performed! and they did everything themselves, staging and composition. I was so impressed at how they collaborated.

https://youtu.be/V8UHG-2V_5k

 Eco Camp at the Kennebunkport Historical Society last week was so much fun thanks to my curious, enthusiastic, young students. We cast pewter , and printed on copper and pewter blanks using my jeweler's rolling mill to make pet tags and jewelry.  The last day was for making instruments from recycled material and performing for parents and guests.  We had a visit from Joe Shumaker, a local environmental warrior, who travels the back roads by bicycle towing a recycling trailer of his own design. The kids were inspired to retrieve litter from all over the KHS Campus for Joe to recycle! What a great end to Eco Camp!

There is a movie about Joe and his mission by Patricia Burke here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbGB78jli2I

Den Den Drums

 One of my favorite recycled instruments are Den Den Daiko drums. Fun to make and to play!

 

 Saco Art After School made a puppet wedding!

Things for spring!

Puppets!

                                                   Den Den Daiko Drums .....

                                                          and other instruments from Recycled materials!