BNG Exhibition Inspires Bermuda Public Schools
The Bermuda National Gallery’s The Art of Michael K. Frith: From Pencil to Puppet is engaging Bermuda’s students and teachers while celebrating the artist’s impact on entertainment and education.
A spokesperson said, “The joy of creative collaboration is at the very heart of The Art of Michael K. Frith: From Pencil to Puppet, currently on display at the Bermuda National Gallery. The exhibition, which celebrates the life and work of one of Bermuda’s most accomplished creatives and his enormous contribution to the worlds of entertainment, education and popular culture, has also served as inspiration for the Bermuda Public School System, with 60 teachers having attended Professional Development Days organized by the Gallery and close to 600 students booked in to visit.
Michael K. Frith and Kathryn Mullen photographed with Bermuda Public School Art teachers
“Frith spent a decade at Random House, where he worked as Editor-in-Chief and Art Director for the Dr Seuss I Can Read All By Myself Beginner Books, one of the best-selling children’s book series of all time; and a further two decades at Jim Henson Productions where, as Vice-President and Director of Creative Services, he helped to shape many of Henson’s most popular television shows, designing characters, sets, props, movie posters, toys and books.
“These accomplishments, and more, have been shared with over 60 Bermuda Public School System teachers, who have taken part in a series of Professional Development Days hosted by the Bermuda National Gallery and organised in collaboration with Dr Shannon Rose Robinson, Roshanda Caines and Denise Hill from the Ministry of Education. The sessions were attended by teachers across a range of subjects, from dance to music, visual arts and English.
“Over 20 guidance counselors also took part and were able to learn about the power of puppetry directly from Michael Frith and his wife Kathryn Mullen who, together with aid worker Johnie McGlade, founded No Strings Productions, a non-profit organization which produces short puppet films for audiences in at-risk populations.”
Ms. Mullen said, “I was thrilled to see the genuine interest the teachers had in the idea of using puppetry in the classroom. I believe in puppets as a powerful teaching tool and feel strongly that anyone who really tries it will be converted forever. I was!”
Kathryn Mullen demonstrates puppeteering for Bermuda Public School Guidance Counselors
“The Art of Michael K. Frith: From Pencil to Puppet is an exhibition worthy of any American or European counterpart. In a remote country such as Bermuda, it is easy for us to forget the pleasure of walking through an excellently curated exhibit, a privilege that so many others take for granted,” reflects Travis Chambray, English Language Arts teacher at Sandys Secondary Middle School. “I enjoyed being able to relax, learn, socialise and reflect all at once: such is the effect of a gallery where every piece has been considered for its audience. The students may benefit from knowing that art, its creation and creators are not something which exists abstractly in faraway places but right here at home.”
The spokesperson said, “Twenty school tours for The Art of Michael K. Frith: From Pencil to Puppet have taken place since it opened in October, providing arts exposure for over 300 students. Close to 300 more are scheduled to come in between now and the end of March.”
Mikaela Joy Kawaley-Lathan, BNG’s Officer of Community Engagement, Programming and Learning, explained, “As an art gallery, many teachers assume that only art classes can come for field trips. In reality, we’ve had a range of classes come, each finding something in the Gallery to link to their curriculum.”
Minister of Education Senator Crystal Caesar tours the exhibition with BNG Executive Director Jennifer L. Phillips
Minister of Education Senator Crystal Caesar, who toured the exhibition shortly after its opening, said, “The Ministry of Education recognises the importance of supporting art experiences within the educational context. This exhibition provides an incredible opportunity for local students to learn and be inspired through the exploration of a Bermudian artist who has achieved great success on a global scale. Beyond the Muppets and the Fraggles, Frith’s nonprofit No Strings Productions, which makes life-saving educational puppet films for at-risk populations in developing countries, highlights the power of puppets to educate and heal.”
The spokesperson said, “The Bermuda National Gallery, with support from the Hamilton Princess Hotel & Beach Club, is offering free transportation for schools island-wide through to April. Schools can register for both transport and tours at www.bng.bm/school-tours.”
- Images above courtesy of Bermuda National Gallery.
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