Giant Puppets on Parade as Seen in Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

[ NEW YORK, NY - NYC - 11/20/2010 - www.Littleviews.com ]

>> I was lucky to have seen the work of Cindi Olsman (artistic director of Puppets on Parade) on exhibit in a show called The Resurrection of Wonder: Bringing Mythical Giants to Life.

Seen in Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, which perserves the work of mosaic artist, Isaiah Zagar, the puppets appeared as an integral part of his colorful environment. Everything on display became far more than the sum of its parts!

Photos of giant Puppets on Parade by Cindi Olsman at Philadelphia's Magic Garden in 2010

[NOTE: This exhibit has been extended through December, 2010. Check related websites for further details and possible extentions, then make every effort to see it as it is truly unique and very, very happy!]

When we saw it, the exhibit was scheduled to run between October 2 and November 8. It would be wonderful if Ms. Olsman's puppets could remain on display to be enjoyed forever after! Why? Because Isaiah Zagar's mosaics were influenced by South American folk art, as were the creation of these puppets by Ms. Olsman. Together, the mosaics and puppets match in texture, tone, and spirit.

Giant puppets with paper mache heads and limbs are used in pageants, plays, and festival (religious and secular). Puppets like these are especially popular in Mexico, where they are known as "mojigangas."

Each puppet consists of sculpted paper mache head mounted on a frame, which itself is mounted on a long pole. It comes to life through the assistance of a prancing puppeteer who holds it up by the pole while hiding under its long costume. The puppet can be projected to almost three-times human height.

Ms. Olsman has a Ph.D. in psychology and has studied in Argentina, Peru, Spain, and Mexico. During her travels, she became a stylist, painter, calligrapher, and, of course, giant puppet builder.

According to Philadelphia's Magic Gardens' website, Ms. Olsman created the ten exhibited puppets under the guidance of her mentor, Hermes Arroyo Guerrero in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Today, she and Hermes are partners in Philadelphia's Puppets on Parade.

Ms. Olsman is also the United States delegate for the International Circle of Friends of Giants. Visit its website to learn more about the historical and current use of giant puppets in pageantry around the world.

You can commission the creation of giant puppets from Puppets on Parade for plays, special events, store displays, and even home decor. Contact info@puppetsonparade.com to literally make your wildest dreams come true.

If you rather try to build your own giant puppets, search the web on the subject of "create giant puppets"