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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.
Balloons Over Broadway: Sarg and the Macy’s Parade
Saturday, October 21, 2023
1:30 - 2:30 pm
Join illustrator and author Melissa Sweet for this lively look inside the creation of Balloons Over Broadway, her popular children’s book celebrating Sarg’s invention of his now iconic “upside down marionettes” for Macy’s holiday extravaganza. Like Sarg, Melissa loved to figure out how to make things move as a child, and in addition to sharing insights on the project, she’ll offer creative ideas and activities for educators and families that advance learning across subject areas. Louis Henry Mitchell, Sesame Workshop’s Creative Director of Character Development, will discuss what it takes to design Macy’s balloons today, including his own Super Grover and Big Bird. The history of Macy’s legendary parade and Sarg’s foundational role will be explored by Christopher Hoskins, co-author with Robert Grippo of Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade.