Umpqua Valley Arts Association
Arts in Education
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William Walther (Puppetry / Sculpture)
About the Artist
William Walther has been a professional artist for 30 plus years. He has special techniques using styrofoam and paper mache, enhancing the ability of every child to be successful. William has lectured and taught puppetry and sculpture in many Northwest universities and colleges. William has an excellent handle on the dynamics of a classroom, the need for rules, order and consistency. Many teachers use his techniques after his visit is over. William is unique in his ability to work with kindergarten through adults, changing his approach and art form by age and ability of his students.
Grade Levels
K - 12
Teaching Objectives
Puppetry: Students will create quality puppets based on legends, fairy tales, animals, or whatever your classroom is currently studying. The styrofoam balls and styrofoam meat trays will shape the puppet characteristics. Paper-mache will be added (a virtually mess-free paper-mache.) The puppetry residency takes a minimum of 3 one-hour sessions. This residency has appeal for all ages. Upper grade teachers often adapt the learned techniques in other aspects of their curriculum.
Sculpture: Sculptures are created in the same way, using the same materials as the puppetry residency, taking the technique several steps further. This residency is ideal for any subject the class is studying whether it be space and spaceships, butterflies and insects, rain forest creatures, marine ecology, or Native American tools and art forms.
Overall Goals
- To have each student design, construct, and finish an art form.
- To have each student be proud of and feel good about their creation.
- To use puppetry and sculpture to support Art Content Standards and tie together other areas of study.
- To provide a fun experience and develop a deeper appreciation for art.
Staff Development
William offers an evening 2 hour workshop for the community or in-service for teachers creating a sculpture or puppet. William offers a 45-minute evening presentation or school assembly showing puppets from around the world, including a 100-year-old puppet from China and shadow puppets from Indonesia.
Facility/Supplies
Materials needed include wheat paste, styrofoam trays, round tooth picks, masking tape, styrofoam balls (styrofoam balls available from the artist at 65 cents per student), fabric to sew the bodies for the puppetry program (sewn by school volunteers before the residency begins). Other items are normal school supplies.
Home Stays
Required if the site is more than 70 miles from Bend, nonsmoking preferred.
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