Project Puppet, Local Legend

Help me finance the creation of my new larger-than-life puppet for Manitou Springs, Colorado's annual Mardi Gras parade! Last year, I had the incredible opportunity to bring my first parade creation to life, and it was an experience like no other. Every ounce of my being was poured into crafting my Hare and the joy it brought me during a devastating period of my life was simply instrumental in bringing me back.

I am ecstatic to be on the journey of creating this year's puppet, which weaves together elements of Manitou's rich artistic culture by portraying one of my biggest artistic role models, the beloved Charles Rockey. I remember peering into the windows of his art studio as a young girl, completely spellbound, fascinated by his ingenuity and creative vision and knowing that that is what I wanted to be when I grew up - a maker like him. Manitou Springs has long been known as a creative mecca and Rockey embodied the spirit of fantastical whimsy and play both in his work and as a cornerstone of the community.

This puppet measures about 24 feet tall (although he is forced to sit due to pesky traffic lights) and has been a huge undertaking. I have constructed him over the last month and a half using paper mache, sculpting compound, plaster, paint, wigs, horse hair, glue, wood, wire, screws, bolts dowels, fabric and much more. I have devoted hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars towards this massive work. I see this project as a love letter to the community that has raised me. I have been deeply touched by the generous support flooding in. I have been blessed to partner with a local rental company who is donating heavy equipment that the puppet will be built onto. Friends have lent their experience in assisting me with the engineering, carpentry and transportation. This outpouring of support has only reinforced my belief in the great need for community art, especially in times of hardship and division. My hope is that this enormous artist traveling alongside his life’s creations will inspire spectators to fully immerse themselves in the unexpected and whimsical.

However, I find myself facing a challenge - I do not have the funds to bring this ambitious project to life on my own. A sculpture of this scale and magnitude requires significant material expenses. Last years project cost well over $1500 and this piece is considerably more complex. Your support can help bring more art to the community. Whether you can make a small or large donation, every contribution will be invaluable in making this dream become a reality. Your belief in me and your encouragement to spread my wings and follow my fancy as an artist has been truly instrumental in my creative growth and healing journey. Close your eyes and imagine the scene. The vibrant colors dancing before your eyes, a majestic new puppet standing tall along its diverse and mesmerizing puppet friends, as they captivate the crowd with their whimsy. Feel the excitement in the air, the energy pulsating through your veins to the beat of the marching band. Allow yourself to be fully immersed in this creative and wonderfully weird community as the fantastical creatures help remind us all, children young and old, to never stop dreaming. Please join me in this adventure by visiting the provided donation link or contact me directly to contribute and be part of this journey. Your belief in the power of art and the impact it can have on a community is what will drive us forward. Thank you for considering this opportunity to support my work. I hope to see you there, for the unveiling of my newest puppet!

*puppet is not for, sponsored or commissioned by anyone including the Rockey Museum*

Photograph of the beloved artist Charles Rockey

Photos from last years puppet!