The Center for Puppetry Arts announced that it will move its annual silent auction to become a virtual online event in 2021.
The Center’s “Call to Auction” will take place from May 4-6 and will feature rare puppet memorabilia and collectibles, jewelry, art, vacation packages, one-of-a-kind experiences and more. The event and its proceeds will help expand the Center’s overall digital outreach and generate additional funding and support for their missionto inspire imagination, education and community through the global art of puppetry.
Headlining the unique items up for auction are three authentic, production props used in the Emmy Award-winning Netflix Original series, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. Maudra Fara’s axe, Augra’s observatory book, and a chrysalis featured on set are distinctive, hand-made works of art from the production. The owner of the prop will also receive a virtual visit with a lead puppeteer who worked on this epic production. It’s an opportunity to learn first-hand how the characters and world were brought to life and what it was like to be a part of this groundbreaking series.
Other Henson packages include a private tour of Jim Henson’s Creature Shop in New York City and a Fraggle Rock Doozertube Fan Date. On the Creature Shop tour, guests will see first-hand where some of the world’s most iconic characters are created. The tour also includes unique access to The Jim Henson Company archives with Karen Falk, Director of Archives. The final stop is lunch with Jim Henson’s daughter, Cheryl Henson, President of the Jim Henson Foundation. The Fraggle Rock Doozertube Fan Date includes a 15-minute one-on-one chat with an actual resident of Fraggle Rock along with a package of collectibles and figurines from the beloved television series.
The Center is offering several VIP experiences for bidders to have all-access parties and private performances. Reserve the Center for a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Private Holiday Party with up to fifty guests. The night includes a private performance of the Center for Puppetry Arts’ Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, admission to the Worlds of Puppetry Museum, and a special version of our Create-A-Puppet Workshop™. Guests will also enjoy a wine and cheese party in our atrium where they can see the rare Santa and Rudolph stop motion puppets from the Rankin/Bass Productions classic television special from 1964 on special exhibition at the Center (photo shoot included and encouraged!).
Winners of the Ghastly Dreadfuls Halloween Party are invited for a night of chills and thrills during the run of The Ghastly Dreadfuls! Before the show, fifteen guests will enjoy pizza and drinks. The party will get a shout out at the beginning of the show and leave with a signed program from the show.
For anyone ready for a getaway, there’s the Woodlawn Estate Vacation Package. Spend four days and three nights in West Point, Georgia at Woodlawn Farm. Situated along a 1/2 mile stretch of the Chattahoochee River, you’re invited to get lost in the vistas, explore the hiking trails, experience a night under the stars at the riverside campground, or relax in the beautifully renovated main house and accompanying grounds. From immersive experiences to rare Kermit collectibles, from earrings to wine baskets, all types of items will also be up for auction at every price range.
“As with so many things this year, the challenges of COVID inspired us to do something different – to take our silent auction online. Not only does it allow us to have the auction, it allows us to continue to expand our presence nationally and internationally through our digital platforms” said Executive Director, Beth Schiavo. “We are deeply grateful of the generous support of Cheryl Henson, The Jim Henson Company, and all of our board members without whom none of this would have been possible.”
Donations to the Center will also be accepted throughout the auction allowing patrons to provide funding for field trips and other programming. All proceeds and donations will go directly to the Center for Puppetry Arts and will be allocated to help cover any and all losses that were caused from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Auction participants can register at http://www.bidpal.net/calltoauction any time leading up to the event.
