Catch Equinox Madness!

On Saturday, Oct. 8, during Parents Weekend and Homecoming, a colorful parade of giant puppets will wind its way through campus, and these whimsical creatures will then take part in a lively outdoor performance.

Sound like something you’d like to be involved in?

Organizers of the second annual Equinox Madness festival are looking for musicians and dancers, as well as puppet-makers of all ages and abilities (no experience required).

Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community residents are invited to come to the white tent next to the Hartford Art School and learn to make giant puppets for the parade. You can come alone or bring your friends, neighbors, children, or grandchildren for this fun and creative activity. Children under 12 must have an adult to assist them.

Community artist Anne Cubberly, the founder and director of Equinox Madness, will be holding free giant puppet workshops every Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 2 in the tent next to the art school. Stop by anytime Saturday between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. or Sunday between 1 and 5 p.m.

All the tools and the basic materials will be supplied. The only requirement is that you carry your puppet in the Equinox Madness Parade on Oct. 8.

Giant puppets that are already in the works for this year’s festival include a unicorn, a bat, a parrot, a Mayan god, and President George W. Bush.

If you are interested in participating in the free giant puppet workshops, please let Cubberly know when you plan to visit the tent for the first time. Once you have gotten started, you can create your own schedule to work on your puppet. Times when the tent is open will be listed.

To register for the giant puppet workshop, or to participate in the festival as a musician or dancer, please call or email Anne Cubberly at 860.490.6645 or cubbart@zenarts.com.