SEPTEMBER 16

Midtown’s Center for Puppetry Arts will host its annual String Fling Gala on September 16, and for the first time in recent years, the event will take place at the Loews Atlanta Hotel in the Center’s own neighborhood.

“We consider ourselves a pillar in the community, and this year the location is physically close to [the Center for Puppetry Arts] to even further engage the Midtown community,” says Heather Karellas, development director.

The annual fundraiser, co-chaired by board members Anne L. Cross and Mandy Mobley Li, supports the Center’s arts infused educational programming, but the event is not your typical gala. “This year will be a little more engaging,” says Karellas.

For instance, in keeping with the “Puppet Nouveau” theme, the Loews will be outfitted with ornamental art nouveau touches, and gala attendees are encouraged to dress in “creative black tie” to keep with the theme.

During the night, guests will be invited to make their own puppets, similar to those that guests of the Center create during their visits. (When visitors head to the Center this fall to see Mother Goose and Charlotte’s Web, they can participate in an educational, hands-on workshop to make their own goose or cow puppet to take home.)

Puppeteers will mingle with gala guests during a cocktail hour, and a small puppet performance will honor Mrs. William B. (Barbara) Wylly, a board member who has served as a community volunteer at the Center since its founding more than 39 years ago. Individual Tickets are $300 and tables begin at $3,000.

puppet.org

STORY: Grace Huseth