Uploaded November 2023 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
rockwellcenter.org/news/online-symposium-illustration-puppetry-and-american-popular-culture-the-art-and-legacy-of-tony-sarg
ONLINE SYMPOSIUM:
Illustration, Puppetry, and American Popular Culture:
The Art and Legacy of Tony Sarg
A SYMPOSIUM ORGANIZED BY THE ROCKWELL CENTER FOR AMERICAN VISUAL STUDIES
AND THE AMERICAN THEATER FOR PUPPETRY ARTS
Symposium Information
Zoom Webinar (online)
Friday, October 20, 2023 – 7pm to 8:30pm
Saturday, October 21, 2023 – 10am to 3:30pm
Description
Organized by the Rockwell Center for American Visual Studies at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts and the American Theater for Puppetry Arts in Austerlitz, New York, this interdisciplinary online symposium brings together artists, puppeteers, designers and scholars from across the humanities to explore the life, art and work of Tony Sarg (1880-1942), the charismatic illustrator, designer, puppeteer, and entrepreneur whose prolific career sheds light on the creative imagination and the ability of artists to inspire a collective sense of wonder and joy.
On Friday, October 20, participants are invited to take an interactive virtual tour of the exhibition with co-curators Stephanie Haboush Plunkett and Lenore D. Miller, and with Darin E. Johnson, founding CEO and artistic director of American Theater for Puppetry Arts. On Saturday, October 21, a series of virtual talks and panel discussions will shed light on the many aspects of Sarg’s career—from his work as an illustrator and champion of the puppetry arts in America to his founding designs for Macy’s parade balloons and holiday windows, involvement with two World’s Fairs, commercial whimsy and architectural projects, and legendary Nantucket Sea Monster Hoax. Sarg’s artistic legacy will also be explored by contemporary artists and performers who have also made their mark by combining artistry and skill with showmanship, canny innovation, and a keen desire to engage with the public.
The online symposium will be available on the Zoom platform and is open to the general public.
Saturday October 21, 2023
10:00 am - 11:15 am
This panel discussion will explore Sarg’s contributions to American art and culture, especially in the field of puppetry, reflecting upon the multi-faceted nature of puppet, mask, and object performance, and the combination of showmanship, canny innovation, and ability to capture the public imagination that has characterized American entrepreneurship over time.
Commentators include John Bell, Ph.D., Director, Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry; Kevin Frisch, Puppeteer and Artistic Director of Frisch Marionettes; Dmitri Carter, Carter Family Marionettes, Director of the Northwest Puppet Center; Darin E. Johnson, Founding Director of the American Theater for Puppetry Arts.
rockwellcenter.org/news/online-symposium-illustration-puppetry-and-american-popular-culture-the-art-and-legacy-of-tony-sarg
ONLINE SYMPOSIUM:
Illustration, Puppetry, and American Popular Culture:
The Art and Legacy of Tony Sarg
A SYMPOSIUM ORGANIZED BY THE ROCKWELL CENTER FOR AMERICAN VISUAL STUDIES
AND THE AMERICAN THEATER FOR PUPPETRY ARTS
Symposium Information
Zoom Webinar (online)
Friday, October 20, 2023 – 7pm to 8:30pm
Saturday, October 21, 2023 – 10am to 3:30pm
Description
Organized by the Rockwell Center for American Visual Studies at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts and the American Theater for Puppetry Arts in Austerlitz, New York, this interdisciplinary online symposium brings together artists, puppeteers, designers and scholars from across the humanities to explore the life, art and work of Tony Sarg (1880-1942), the charismatic illustrator, designer, puppeteer, and entrepreneur whose prolific career sheds light on the creative imagination and the ability of artists to inspire a collective sense of wonder and joy.
On Friday, October 20, participants are invited to take an interactive virtual tour of the exhibition with co-curators Stephanie Haboush Plunkett and Lenore D. Miller, and with Darin E. Johnson, founding CEO and artistic director of American Theater for Puppetry Arts. On Saturday, October 21, a series of virtual talks and panel discussions will shed light on the many aspects of Sarg’s career—from his work as an illustrator and champion of the puppetry arts in America to his founding designs for Macy’s parade balloons and holiday windows, involvement with two World’s Fairs, commercial whimsy and architectural projects, and legendary Nantucket Sea Monster Hoax. Sarg’s artistic legacy will also be explored by contemporary artists and performers who have also made their mark by combining artistry and skill with showmanship, canny innovation, and a keen desire to engage with the public.
The online symposium will be available on the Zoom platform and is open to the general public.
Saturday October 21, 2023
10:00 am - 11:15 am
This panel discussion will explore Sarg’s contributions to American art and culture, especially in the field of puppetry, reflecting upon the multi-faceted nature of puppet, mask, and object performance, and the combination of showmanship, canny innovation, and ability to capture the public imagination that has characterized American entrepreneurship over time.
Commentators include John Bell, Ph.D., Director, Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry; Kevin Frisch, Puppeteer and Artistic Director of Frisch Marionettes; Dmitri Carter, Carter Family Marionettes, Director of the Northwest Puppet Center; Darin E. Johnson, Founding Director of the American Theater for Puppetry Arts.
