Editor's Note: This story previously appeared on StratfordToday.ca.
SpringWorks Festival is bringing two events to Stratford starting next week. The organization which has provided programming for more than 25 years is bringing the program Grounds for Goodness by Ruth Howard, and Puppet Shorts.
“We wanted to put on a program in conjunction with Lights On Stratford, so people can explore the display and explore the city,” said Eileen Smith, the artistic director for SpringWorks Festival.
Grounds for Goodness takes place January 11-19 at the Stratford Perth Museum.
“Ruth Howard is the Artistic Director of America's Jumblies, which is a community art based organization in Toronto,” said Smith. “She has done the feature throughout Canada, and its a delicate exploration of people doing good things and being kind. We are often aware of how horrible the world can be but this is bringing attention to the positives.”
Grounds for Goodness will feature artist talks, art making, embroidery, and the finale will feature Stratford-based percussionist Graham Hargrove.
“People will have a chance to share their positive stories,” said Smith. “Whether it's someone who helped me get a cat out of a tree, all the way to being a Syrian refugee who now feels safe, and everything in between. The exhibit is a way to amplify people doing positive things.”
The other event being put on by SpringWorks is Puppet Shorts, which will be a mini film festival that will pair with Lights On Stratford. The event takes place January 10-11 at the city hall auditorium.
“We are using the auditorium to put on some screenings of some films curated by Heather Henson, the daughter of Jim Henson,” said Smith. “She is a puppeteer and puppet maker, who is quite well known in the States. She curates and funds these films that are stop motion, and puppet, and feature all types of puppets.”
There will be screenings on January 10-11 at 4 and 6 p.m. and all the films are family friendly.
The events are free of cost but a suggested donation of $5 for children and $10 for adults is recommended.
More details can be found here.
