As autumn colors paint the landscape, we are thrilled to welcome a fresh wave of members to the Greater Philadelphia Area Puppetry Guild. This season isn’t just about changing leaves; it’s about new beginnings, collaboration, and creativity. With the arrival of new and returning members, we are excited to celebrate your dedication to the art of puppetry. Your passion and energy breathe life into our guild, and we sincerely appreciate your commitment to our community.
As we step into this vibrant season, there is a shared excitement among us. Your involvement and creativity make our guild stronger. Remember, every member contributes to our mission of promoting and preserving the art of puppetry.
The Importance of Community
Community is vital in the arts, especially in a collaborative and expressive field like puppetry. Our guild provides a welcoming space for artists, enthusiasts, and newcomers to share their experiences and learn from one another.
When you join our community, you access a network of individuals who share your passion. This nurturing environment encourages creativity and experimentation, creating a platform for artistic growth. For example, a study showed that communities with active participation can increase creativity by up to 40%, highlighting the benefits of collaborative engagement.
Through our events, we aim for you to harness this creativity and revel in the joy puppetry brings.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
Our board will soon be hard at work planning an exciting lineup of activities just for you! Here’s a glimpse of generally what awaits:
Guild Get-Togethers: We will hold regular zooms where you can socialize, share ideas, and collaborate. These gatherings not only create a sense of belonging but allow members to engage on a personal level. Soon we hope to be offering a virtual and an in-person option.
Meet & Greets: New members can participate in casual meet & greets, connecting with experienced puppeteers and other newcomers. These opportunities are perfect for forming connections and expanding your network.
In addition to these gatherings, get ready for a first in Philadelphia. Member, Sabrina De Weerdt, is holding a Puppet Slam coming up this December at the Painted Mug in South Philadelphia. An call for submissions can be found on the events page of our website. These events will showcase various performance styles—an exhilarating way to celebrate creativity. You do not have to be a seasoned performer. This is an opportunity to get on stage and share your work regardless of polished it is.
We are also offering Workshops suited for all skill levels. Whether you are creating your first puppet or refining your craft, these hands-on sessions will provide valuable insights into puppetry techniques. These events aim not just to entertain but to educate and inspire. Your participation can deepen your appreciation for this vibrant art form.
Getting Involved
So, how can you dive into the guild's activities? Here are a few simple steps to get started:
Attend Events: Keep an eye on our calendar and make a point to attend gatherings. Engaging with other members will enrich your experience.
Get Engage on the Website: The new Members Chat portal on the website is where members can post work, help each other and exchange ideas. Read through blogs and take past workshops. It's all there for you! Make sure you update your profile so that we can get to know you better too.
Volunteer: Consider volunteering for event preparation or guild leadership roles. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow members and gain insight into how the guild operates. We are even trying to start a mentor/mentee program.
Your ideas matter. We encourage you to share thoughts about events, workshops, or performances that excite you. Remember, our guild thrives on member input, and your unique perspective is valuable.
Don’t hesitate to connect with other puppeteers and artists. Through shared experiences, inspiration and collaboration often flourish.
A Word of Encouragement
As you embark on this artistic journey with the Greater Philadelphia Area Puppetry Guild, remember that you are part of a vibrant community. Each of you brings a unique voice, and your enthusiasm is essential to our guild's spirit.
Don’t hesitate to showcase your talents, experiment with your craft, and embrace every opportunity to learn. Art thrives on evolution, and active participation allows you to weave your narrative into the fabric of our guild.
A Warm Welcome
To all our new and renewing members who joined this fall —welcome once again to the Greater Philadelphia Area Puppetry Guild! Your presence enriches our community. We're excited to witness the creativity and collaboration that lie ahead.
We welcome the following new members and returning members -
Sabrina DeWeerdt, Jacqueline Wade, Bec L'Heureux, Sherri Roberts, Sally J. Moore, Brittany Wilhelm, Mary L. Benson, Bill Kassay of Imaginary Friends Puppet Theater, Sophie Semenza, Gabriel Hazuda, Chad Parsons, Stan from Uxtree (our website designer), Kat Caro of Melancholy Kitties, Lindsay Kovnat of Rocky and Disco,
Maisie O'Brien, Dante Brattelli, Tom & Marianne Tucker of Tuckers' Tales Puppet Theater,
Darlene & James Thompson, Michael Grandizio, James Cooper, Isabelle Dawson of The Puppet Company, Patrick Ahearn, Roni DeFalco of Rondee Productions,
Lori & Paul Olshefski, Rose Cocchiaro, Dan Cook, David Hutchman of Digger & David, Judy Harris, Zachary Stock, Lo Mackechnie, Emmet Davies, Violet Taraborrelli, Alita Yelverson, Ursula Kuehne and Ambrose (Pete) Peterman!
As the new board begins planning and we gear up for upcoming events and workshops, remember that our guild is here to support your journey into the enchanting world of puppetry. Let us help guide you through the exciting opportunities ahead.
If you have any questions or need assistance as you become involved, please feel free to reach out. We are here for you!
Welcome aboard!
Welcome members!!