Hobey Ford and his Golden Rod Puppets tour schools | News, Sports, Jobs | Rare Techy

Hobey Ford and his Golden Rod Puppets will tour local schools in the Artsbridge Artists on Tour series from 11-17. in November. (photo attached)

PARKERSBURG – The Artsbridge Artists on Tour series features a puppet show and an internationally renowned puppeteer.

Hobey Ford and his Golden Rod Puppets will be on tour from 14th to 17th. elementary schools in Pleasants, Ritchie, Wood, Jackson and Washington counties in November. Artsbridge provides teachers with study guides that include additional information and art activities for use in the classroom.

Show, “Migration”, is Ford’s sequel to his Goldenrod puppet show “Animals.” This is the story of Beatriz, a girl who travels with her family from her home near Mexico City to the United States.

Ford turns to the natural world of animals to explore the wonders of migration, learned through the eyes of a child on his own migration journey. Ford’s animal Foamies are presented behind a projection of original animated scenes, taking the audience along with Beatriz on the journey of these incredible creatures.

Ford is on full display as storyteller, puppeteer and animator in a fluid and almost hypnotic dance between puppeteer, puppets and original artistic scenery. He is an internationally known and award-winning speaker and teaching artist for the Kennedy Center’s educational partners.

He designs and constructs all of his Golden Rod Puppets, as well as the beautiful sets that surround them. Ford has received many awards, including a UNIMA Citation of Excellence, and has received three Jim Henson Foundation scholarships. Ford not only performs his original works around the world, but also offers workshops for teachers and students. Ford is regarded by his peers as both an innovator in puppetry and a master storyteller.

Artsbridge offers a variety of in-school arts education programs such as an artist directory, an art meeting and a very spectacular arts festival. Artsbridge arts education programs are funded in part by the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History, the Ohio Arts Council, the Bernard McDonough Foundation, the Fenton Foundation, Inc., the City of Vienna, the City of Parkersburg, and project sponsors. Artsbridge Foundation.

The presentation is recommended for 5th and 6th grade.

The schedule is as follows:

Nov 14

* At 9, Pleasants Co. Schools, Belmont

* At 13.00 Ritchie Co. Schools, Ellenboro

Nov 15

* 9.30 and 12.30, Wood Co. Schools, Blennerhassett Auditorium

Nov 16

* 9am, Belpre Primary School

* 12:30 p.m. Warren High School, Vincent

Nov 17

* 8.30am, Waterford Primary School

* 1:15 p.m., Jackson County Schools, Ravenswood