The Connecticut Guild of Puppetry’s mission is to provide a meeting place and forum where people with an interest and love of the art form may share knowledge, ideas, trends, and creative endeavors.
It is the intent of the Guild to encourage the raising of standards of the art of puppetry; to foster awareness in the general public of the magic, wonder, and power of the puppet; and to encourage the use of puppetry as an educational tool.
EVENT
The Kent Art Association will host The Connecticut Guild of Puppetry’s exhibition, “State of the Art – Connecticut Puppetry” from July 3rd to August 9th bringing together all aspects of this wonderful art form.
Visitors to the exhibit will see an amazing array of contemporary and historic puppets on display as well as original artwork by famed Sesame Street performer Caroll Spinney, and a selection of over 30 images by photographer Richard Termine, courtesy of the Jim Henson Foundation.
The exhibit will be open to the public Thursday – Saturday from 1-5pm and Sunday from 12-4pm with events, workshops and performances throughout the 5 weeks including:
Friday, July 3rd — Opening Reception from 2-4pm, and participation in Kent’s Fourth of July parade at 7:00pm by various puppeteers.
Friday, July 17th – Puppetry Hand Skills for adults workshop ($65.00 fee) from 7-9pm.
Saturday, July 25th — “Slam-A-Lot 2”, an evening of short form puppet theater for adults at 7:00pm at the Kent Community House
Saturday, August 1st — Enchanted Hike with Kent Land Trust
August 7th, 8th, and 9th — Sidewalk Sale/Puppetry Vendors from 10-5
Sunday, August 9th — Closing Reception from 2-4 with puppet shows at 11:00am and 1:00pm
Kent Art Association
21 S Main St
Kent, CT 06757
Puppetry Festivals & Conferences
SoNo Arts Festival & Puppet Parade
August 1 – 2, 2026
Located on Washington Street in Historic South Norwalk, this massive visual arts festival culminates in a giant Puppet Parade on Sunday, August 2nd at 1:00 PM. The parade is famous for its massive, human-powered puppets and vibrant community energy.
Museum Exhibitions & Ongoing Series
Becoming Modern Exhibition
Open now through October 2026
The Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry in Storrs presents an exploration of American puppetry as a modern art form throughout the 20th century. Visitors can view iconic figures and rare artifacts from the museum's extensive permanent collection.State of the Art: Connecticut Puppetry
The Kent Art Association will host The Connecticut Guild of Puppetry’s exhibition, “State of the Art – Connecticut Puppetry” from July 3rd to August 9th bringing together all aspects of this wonderful art form.Monthly Puppet Weekends
Second weekend of every month
Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk offers family-centered programming including original theater performances and interactive "behind-the-scenes" workshops designed for young children.
Performances
Blues, Blues by Sova Theater
September 27, 2026 (2:00 PM)
Hosted by the East Lyme Puppetry Committee, this musical performance at the East Lyme Community Center combines live music, dance, and shadow puppetry. More details on the troupe can be found at Sova Theater.
Celebrate the Guild’s 50th Anniversary with this enamel pin. Designed by Christopher Grande, and limited to a run of just 50.
Soft Royal Blue t-shirt with a small white CGP Logo on the front left chest, and on the back a puppet stage version of the state of Connecticut, flanked by two puppeteers — Celebrating the Art of Puppetry.
Design by Guild member Bryan Langdeau
S/H Calculated at Checkout
100% Cotten, Youth Small → 2XL Available.
Puppeteers of America in partnership with UNIMA-USA, announces a new initiative: a Direct Relief Fund for Puppet Artists.
Many in our community have lost work doing what we love — performing, teaching, and sharing the art of puppetry in all its forms.
