This pleasant afternoon of art-making invites adult participants to create a simple self-portrait puppet mask. Guided by our artist- facilitator, Barb English, make linkages to your personal story and connections to your community. With a basic mask form, paint, paper and ephemera explore your personal metaphors.

Once complete present your artist’s statement in a casual group sharing. Past participants have noted the power of this project to bring self-awareness, provide a voice and even create a legacy artifact, while being creatively rewarding and fun.

WP Puppet Theatre is excited to be an Artist in Residence at Sparrow Artspace through March 2025, we are pleased to be presenting our inspiring VIEW from the Inside* program in partnership with Festival of Animated Objects, and we are thrilled to welcome people of all ages to explore their creativity in a supportive community.

*ATB Healing through the Arts Award.

All materials and tools supplied

Cost $15.00 per person, or $10.00 per person with Calgary Fee Assistance.

Facilitator: Barb English, B.Ed., B.A.
Barb English has a Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from UBC. Barb worked for the Calgary Board of Education for 13 years supporting students with complex social/emotional learning needs, before retiring to pursue her own creative practice. Barb is passionate about the power of art to promote positive mental health and wellness. She joined WP Puppet Theatre in Fall 2019 as a workshop facilitator and Manager of the VIEW from the Inside program, and has taught felting to children with Art Felt Studio.

WP Puppet Theatre is excited to serve as Artist in Residence at Sparrow Artspace through March 2025, featuring their award-winning VIEW from the INSIDE program. The residency includes an exhibit of portrait puppets by past participants, video screenings of artist reflections, and pre-registered workshops for all ages to create self-portrait puppet-masks described as “nuanced artifacts with an amazing legacy.” Since 2016, VIEW has engaged over 500 diverse participants, fostering resiliency, community, self-reflection, and emotional expression while promoting mental health and wellness. This initiative is presented in partnership with the Festival of Animated Objects (March 10–23, 2025).