Finding My Whimsy: A Night of Puppets, Masks, and Unexpected Joy

Joy Making, One Day at a Time

If you had told me yesterday that I’d be spending my evening bringing a tiny, fictional character to life, I probably would have laughed. I walked into the Kent Art Association thinking like a creator—focused on the tangible, the making. I didn't see myself participating theatrically at all. But as it turns out, that was exactly what the universe had in store for me, for us.

The evening was centered around a stunning mask and puppetry exhibit, State of the Art, Connecticut Puppetry, organized by the incredible Adelka Polak, a master puppeteer, dancer, and the Artistic Director of Sova Dance & Puppet Theater. I joined my dear long-time friend Christine Altman, as she had some of her own gorgeous, handmade leather masks on display in the exhibit. Bravo Christine!

A Full-Circle Moment from Our UConn Days

Christine and I have been friends since our days as students in the Fine Arts department at UCONN back in the late 80s and early 90s. It’s funny—we always talk about how, despite being art students, the legendary UConn Puppetry program never really crossed our paths back then... at least, not until an awards ceremony where awards were being handed out by Jim Henson’s wife, Jane Henson! Even as young students deep in our own studies, we didn’t understand the immense weight and prestige of those moments.

I went into the evening just wanting to support Christine and celebrate her work in the gallery. I never expected to find myself caught up in the magic, too!

Christine Altman in front of her wonderful, handmade, leather masks.

Meeting Betty

I went into Adelka's workshop with a maker's mindset, completely forgetting a fundamental truth: part of creating something is learning how to bring it to life.

Of course, it’s a puppetry workshop, so theatricality is the whole point! To my surprise, I found myself getting into it. My heart is so full today, and I’d love for you to meet Betty—my new little bestie. Isn't she the cutest little thing?

A Connected World of Wonder

The universe has a funny way of connecting the dots. Just a few weeks back, I took a wonderful Nuno felting workshop at the New Britain Museum of American Art with Robin McCahill. At the time, I was enjoying the fiber arts, with no idea of her own deep participation in the puppetry world as a professional puppeteer and board member of the Connecticut Guild of Puppetry (alongside Adelka!).

I am truly in awe of all the wondrous, deeply talented people right around us. We pass by incredible artists every day without realizing the magic and history they carry.

The Takeaway

If I learned anything last night, it’s that we are never too old to be transported back to our childhood. I left the workshop feeling like my heart was a little lighter, all from experiencing a much-needed dose of silly, whimsy, and pure joy.

Welcome to my very first blog post here at Marlomarrero.com! Thank you to Adelka, Robin, and my longtime friend Christine for reminding me how much fun it is to just play.

What’s the last thing that made you feel a sense of childlike wonder? Let me know in the comments below!