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PUPPETS TO GO

#puppetstakesaxonburg

The Project –

The South Butler Community Library has partnered with Puppets for Pittsburgh to make giant puppets available for checkout. The Library, seeking new ways to engage the public through art, began work with Puppets for Pittsburgh in the Spring of 2015, cataloging the puppets, and incorporating the art of puppetry into the community. Puppets are currently housed at the South Butler Community Library in Saxonburg. The collection includes giant backpack style puppets and will eventually also include smaller puppet masks, flat stick puppets, and basket-head puppets. To find the available puppets, simply search the library catalog using keyword: "Puppets for Pittsburgh".

The Collection –

Originally founded in 2006 at Studio CapezzutiPuppets for Pittsburgh is a collection of giant puppets.  Created and managed by local artist Cheryl Capezzuti, the Puppets for Pittsburgh collection has continued to grow over the years.  Each puppet in the collection is handmade by Capezzuti in collaboration with other artists as well as the community at large. Most of the puppets in the collection have been created over the years for the First Night Pittsburgh Parade, which Capezzuti also produces.

The puppet collection is maintained largely by an ongoing series of free workshops where individuals of all ages are invited to learn the art of puppet making, and assist in repairing puppets or creating new puppets for the collection.  Since its inception in 2006, hundreds of people have participated in workshops both at Studio Capezzuti and other locations throughout the Greater Pittsburgh area.

Puppets in the collection are made using paper mâché, recycled cardboard, and a number of other materials.  The collection has grown to include giant puppets (9’-11’ tall when worn), puppet masks, flat stick puppets, and more.

How do I borrow one?

To borrow a puppet, simply come to the Library and choose one! Any patron in good standing can check out up to three puppets for one week. The creative possibilities for use are endless! Teachers can use them in the classroom, churches and clubs can use them for events, parents can use them at birthday parties, or even for a fun rainy day activity! Create your own puppet show, have an impromptu puppet parade, hold a puppet dance party, or have a giant puppet flashmob! Be sure to share your fun with us by using the hashtag #puppetstakesaxonburg when posting to social media!