Big Head Puppet Workshop with Michele Menard (Family Friendly)
April 5 2025
10:30am - 4pm
Learn cardboard building techniques to make a “Big Head” Mask/Puppet and other simple pageantry/parade puppets/props and banners for the Annual Church of Clown - April Fools Parade happening April 6th, 2025, where we can display our spectacle of “The Folly of Fools”.
Participants are welcome to create puppets to take home with them, or for other purposes as well!
Join our exciting workshop for ages eight and up—ideal for families!
What is a big head?
A big head is an impressive large-scale mask that can be crafted using various techniques, including the popular method of papier-mâché. In this workshop, we will focus on the engaging art of cardboard construction to create a captivating "Big Head" character for the "Folly of Fools" annual Church of Clown April Fool's Day Parade, taking place on April 6th, 2025. These vibrant "Big Head" masks are celebrated worldwide, gracing countless carnival parades in countries such as France, Costa Rica, Italy, and many others. They serve not only to create a striking visual spectacle but also to unite people in a joyous celebration of art and community, fostering connections through shared creativity and laughter. Join us for this exciting opportunity to be part of something truly special
We will have cardboard and materials available, but please bring extra cardboard, aprons, hot glue guns, glue, and scissors if you have them. Light snacks and beverages will be available during the lunch break. We can't wait to see you there!
Michele Menard is an interdisciplinary artist and educator, whose diverse artistic background spans theater, Puppetry, clowning, mime, visual arts, crafts, and musical performance. Michele has years of experience teaching Puppetry and Drama with an Artist Residency at the Richmond District Neighborhood Center and working with SF Schoolhouse. Michele has studied and worked with renowned puppet companies such as Red Moon (Chicago), Bread and Puppet (Glover, Vermont), Wise Fool (Santa Fe, NM), and Sandglass ( Putney, Vermont). She recently completed a 2-year graduate Puppet program with UConn (Dec 2022) and will be a featured teaching artist leading recycled material puppet crafts at the Museum of Modern Art Sf community event showcasing the Ruth Asawa exhibit in April 2025. Michele is also developing and performing a new short solo children's clown/ puppet show for a school fundraiser in May 2025, and she can be seen in the next Church of Clown company clown show, "Wasteland," premiering in June 2025. Michele has an artist page on Facebook @ Michele Menard- Artist | Facebook/.
Cost:
$125 for one person
$200 for two people
$250 for a family