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 Sesame
Street, The Muppet Show and Fraggle Rock - what do these three shows
have in common? They all showcase The Muppets. The Muppets remain
popular today with children all over the world. All three of these
classic television shows have proven to be educational and entertaining
to children. These shows capture the mind and imaginations of children
and most of the credit goes to the mastermind behind the characters of
these shows - Jim Henson. Think about the flamboyant Ms. Piggy, the
insatiable Cookie Monster, Rowlf the Dog, Elmo, Big Bird, Ernie & Bert,
Oscar the Grouch, Grover and so many more and certain episodes will
probably come to mind. There were always lessons to be learned whether
it was as simple as counting from one to ten in English or counting from
one to ten in Spanish. They also teach how to spell and deal with life
issues in a caring manner through certain scenarios or sketches that The
Muppets were facing.
Jim Henson, artist, puppeteer, film director and producer, created
imaginary worlds filled with unique characters, like Kermit the Frog. He
created the original Kermit the Frog out of his mother’s old coat and
ping-pong ball. In the beginning, Kermit was not a frog, but a lizard.
He gradually evolved and appeared as Kermit the Frog in Hey Cinderella
(1969) and has remained… a frog.
These imaginary worlds Jim created not only involved memorable
characters, but objects and even languages and cultures that stretched
beyond even his wildest dreams. His work is enjoyed in dozens of
languages in more than 100 countries.
“It’s such a treat to get to know Jim Henson through his doodles and
drawings, his puppets and his fantastic performances,” said Karen Falk,
curator of the exhibition and archivist at the Jim Henson Company. “I’m
delighted to be able to share this inspiring and entertaining experience
with people all over the country. Seeing his original work firsthand
opens a window into his visual thinking and provides both an
appreciation of Jim as an artist and a reason to laugh out loud.”
The Louisiana Art & Science Museum (LASM), in collaboration with the Jim
Henson Legacy, Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service
(SITES), and Acoustiguide Inc., announced that audiovisual-guided tours
of the exhibition - Jim Henson’s Fantastic World is available on iPods.
The tour will feature interviews with daughter Cheryl Henson, Henson
company archivist Karen Falk, Dave Goelz (the voice of Gonzo), and
former Henson company writer Craig Shemin. LASM is the first museum on
the exhibition tour, and the first museum in Louisiana, to offer this
rare treat to visitors.
The exhibit, Jim Henson’s Fantastic World, contains one hundred thirty
original drawings, cartoons, and storyboards, together with puppets,
television and movie props, photographs of Henson and his collaborators
at work, and original video productions, including excerpts from
Henson’s early career and experimental films. These illustrate Henson’s
talent as a storyteller and visionary. Tickets to the exhibition are $8
for adults and $7 for children and seniors; groups and LASM members
receive discounts.
Coming up: Puppetry and Electronics with Tom Newby, First Sunday, June
1, 2:15 pm. Tom Newby of Jim Henson’s New York Muppet Workshop will
trace the development of remote controls and other electro-mechanical
devices used to enhance puppet movement, special effects, and
computer-generated characters. This workshop is free to the public.
Sponsored by Gail and Bill O’Quin and grandson William Conger, and by
Kell and Dorian Bennett.
Family Puppet-Building Workshop, First Sunday, June 1, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Families are invited to stop by LASM’s Discovery Depot and create their
own puppets! This workshop is free to the public. Sponsored by Gail and
Bill O’Quin and grandson William Conger, and by Kell and Dorian Bennett.
The Muppet Movie, Saturday, June 7, 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. Come see a
special presentation of The Muppet Movie in LASM’s Adalié Brent
Auditorium. The movie is free with admission to Jim Henson’s Fantastic
World.
For more information on LASM or Jim Henson’s Fantastic World, visit
www.lasm.org or call
225-344-9478.
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