Puppet-Making Workshop Presented by In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theater
Unleash your imagination and create a one-of-a-kind puppet with artists from Heart of the Beast Puppet Theater! This free, hands-on workshop invites children, parents, grandparents, and participants of all ages to explore the joy of making together.
Using simple materials and plenty of creativity, each participant will design and build a puppet to take home. You’ll discover how puppets can spark storytelling, play, and artistic expression.
Drop in anytime, create at your own pace, and leave with a handmade puppet!
Free • Drop in • All ages welcome • Take your puppet home • Register to secure your spot
ABOUT CHILDREN & FAMILY WEEKEND:
Join Hope Arts Center and House of Hope Presbyterian Church for Children & Family Weekend, a joyful two-day celebration centered on the theme “Creativity, Resilience, and Your Unique Voice.”
Designed for parents, children, grandparents, educators, caregivers, mentors, health professionals and those interested in the intersection of arts and health, the weekend brings together nationally acclaimed speakers, outstanding Twin Cities arts organizations, and hands-on experiences that celebrate the creativity and potential of every child while equipping the adults who help them thrive.
Saturday features ERIN WALSH, nationally recognized child development expert and co-founder of Spark & Stitch Institute, will present a talk titled, “It’s Their World: Raising Resilient Kids in the Digital Age”, offering practical, research-based insights on children’s mental health, resilience, and healthy relationships with technology. While adults attend Erin’s presentation, children and youth can participate in engaging poetry workshops led by teaching artists from The Loft Literary Center.
On Sunday, Newbery Medal-winning author and poet KWAME ALEXANDER joins moderator Arleta Little of The Loft Literary Center for an inspiring conversation about creativity, storytelling, and discovering your unique voice. Children and youth are admitted free to Sunday’s keynote.
Throughout the weekend, enjoy performances by Hope Arts Center music students, family puppet-making with In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre, a multigenerational dance workshop with Young Dance, book sales and signings with Red Balloon Bookshop, a parade with Heart of the Beast artists, poetry slam, art gallery visits, receptions, and a lively dance party.
Children & Family Weekend reflects a shared belief that creativity is more than artistic expression—it bolsters confidence and resilience, fosters connection, and helps young people build healthy, happy lives. Whether you are raising children, teaching them, mentoring them, or simply care about the next generation, this weekend offers inspiration, practical ideas, and meaningful opportunities to create, learn, and celebrate together.
We hope you’ll join us for this special community event as we celebrate creativity, resilience, and every person’s unique voice.
