Seventeenth International Conference on the Arts in Society

Abstract

I am the Executive Director of a nonprofit puppet company founded by my wife, Nora Christensen, in Louisville, Kentucky in 1997. For many years, we have overseen the administration of the company, worked as its main performers, and made our own puppets and props for our performances. Our work serves many different groups within our community, from school children who experience our touring shows and workshops, to families who visit our studio and theater space, to adults who encounter our larger-than-life backpack puppets at rock concerts and outdoor events. We are also no strangers to social and political protests, proudly standing up in solidarity with local public school teachers against firearms and union busting tactics, and with other groups in support of reproductive freedom and other progressive causes. Throughout the twenty-two year history of our organization, we have had to navigate financial crashes, shifting political regimes, and changes in arts funding and donation trends. We remain dedicated to serving our community and inspiring creative thought and problem solving. Squallis Puppeteers’ mission is to use the art of puppetry to free imaginations, create fantastic characters, and to tell the stories that are important to our community. In addition to being Executive Director of Squallis, I am also Assistant Professor of 3d Art at Spalding University. As faculty, I am working to expand connectivity between Creative Arts and other schools within the university, and to use my experience with Squallis to demonstrate art as a tool for problem solving can benefit everyone.