One of the icons of American culture is Jim Henson, creator of the Muppets, Big Bird, Kermit, and countless other beloved characters. Going on right now at the Orange County Regional History Center in Downtown Orlando, Florida is an extraordinary exhibit showcasing Jim Henson's Fantastic World.  We were lucky enough to sit down and talk with Paul Wenglowsky, curator of education for the History Center. Here's what he had to say...

WE: Please tell us about your current exhibit, Jim Henson's Fantastic World...

PW: Jim Henson was a true visionary and genius.  He created a cast of characters, such as Ms. Piggy, Gonzo and Big Bird, who have left an indelible image on the American landscape.  He also developed groundbreaking techniques in the art of puppetry that are still being utilized today.  We just finished a film festival that showcased this genius at work through a compilation of Henson's experimental
works, films and rarities.  

Dark Crystal Mystic  

WE: Are there other events going on, highlighting Muppets, puppets, and
more? 

PW: Beginning February 7, 2009, at 10 am, the History Center will offer its Family Funshops series offered the first Saturday of each month.  This program, sponsored by Sonny's BBQ, is a family workshop that will incorporate hands-on learning on different topics like puppetry.  The workshops will either be taught by museum education staff or by such puppeteers as Jamie Donmoyer or John Kennedy.  For a complete list of program topics and pricing, please visit our website at www.thehistorycenter.org/events/?art=calendar.

Beginning on April 17, 2009, at 7 pm is our Family Date series offered the second Friday of each month.  This program, again sponsored by Sonny's BBQ, is an alternative to an evening of television for families by offering fun activities.  On this Friday, we have Jonathan West, a renowned puppeteer who will be performing with his marionettes.  For a complete list of other upcoming programs and pricing, please visit the History Center website at www.thehistorycenter.org/events/?art=calendar. 

WE: What was the genesis of the Film Festival? 

PW: We have been very fortunate to have a very large puppet community within Central Florida.  One of these puppeteers is Heather Henson, youngest daughter of Jim Henson, who calls Orlando home.  Ms. Henson has helped the History Center in the planning and development not only for the upcoming exhibition, but also with programming suggestions.  It was at her suggestion that we looked into bringing the film festival as a side component to the Jim Henson's Fantastic World exhibit.  After some brief research, it was decided to host the festival because of the unique look it offered into the creative genius of Jim Henson.

Time Piece

WE: Who was involved in this Festival?

PW: Along with the screenings, we had a number of guest speakers, such as Michael Frith, Kathy Mullins, and Cheryl Henson, who all worked alongside Jim Henson.  They are all famous puppeteers in their own right.  They  introduced the screenings and answered questions after the showings.

WE: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

PW: I would just like to encourage all of Florida to come see the exhibition: Jim Henson's Fantastic World.  This exhibit explores Henson's "visual thinking" through more than 100 works of art, photographs, documents, puppets, movie props, and other 3-D objects, as well as original video productions, including excerpts from his early career and experimental films. Visitors get to peek inside "Sesame Street," "Fraggle Rock," "The Muppet Show," and other elaborate imaginary worlds created by Henson.

Jim Henson's Fantastic World is organized by The Jim Henson Legacy and Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in cooperation with the Henson Family; the Jim Henson Company; the Muppets Studio, LLC; and Sesame Workshop. The exhibition is made possible by The Biography Channel. Additional support has been provided by The Jane Henson Foundation and Cheryl Henson. The exhibition is presented locally by Dr. Phillips Charities.

WE: Thanks so much, Paul. It sounds like an extraordinary exhibit!

Fraggle Rock 

Photos:

Fraggle Rock
Photo by John E. Barrett. © 2009 The Jim Henson Company. All Rights Reserved.

Cantus and the rest of the gang down at Fraggle Rock

Dark Crystal Mystic
Photo by John Lawrence Jones, © 2009 The Jim Henson Company. All Rights Reserved.

For his 1982 feature film The Dark Crystal, Henson and his creative team developed a world with original characters like the Mystics and unique plan life, household objects, weapons and musical instruments.

Time Piece still
© 2009 The Jim Henson Company. All Rights Reserved.

Jim Henson takes flight in his 1964 Oscar-nominated short film, Time Piece, a surreal, symbolic and satirical look at the human experience and the nature of man.