Speakeysie News Desk

ATLANTA (JANUARY 2026) – The Center for Puppetry Arts presents the fifth installment of its Puppetry

NOW initiative with a special exhibition and live performances by internationally acclaimed puppet artist, designer and director Tom Lee. Running Feb. 12–May 17, the “Child of Wood” special exhibition highlights Lee’s innovative exploration of narrative and handcrafted forms. Feb. 13–22, Lee will also present “The Mirrored Pool,” a new interdisciplinary work featuring musicians Lisa Kaplan and Matthew Duvall of the Grammy Award-winning ensemble Eighth Blackbird, further underscoring the Center’s commitment to groundbreaking contemporary puppetry.

Launched in 2021, Puppetry NOW showcases under-represented artists pushing the boundaries of puppetry and shining a light on innovative and contemporary approaches within the field. Lee’s practice merges traditional puppetry techniques with animation, projection and contemporary design, drawing from global influences, particularly the Japanese puppetry traditions Lee studied under master Koryū Nishikawa V. “When I first imagined Mirrored Pool, it was as a solo,” Tom Lee said. “But it has transformed into a trio inspired by the words of Carl Sagan, the music of the Golden Record and our planet’s magnificent insignificance in this vast universe.”

Puppetry NOW: Tom Lee “Child of Wood” Special Exhibition

As part of Tom Lee’s residency, the Center for Puppetry Arts will present “Child of Wood,” a special exhibition showcasing his contemporary work that explores narrative, materials and the expressive possibilities of handcrafted forms, building on the artistry he brought to acclaimed productions such as “ War Horse.” The exhibition offers insight into Lee’s creative process and highlights his innovative approach to puppetry, giving visitors a close look at handcrafted puppets and objects that reveal the relationship between storytelling and materiality.

Performances of “Mirrored Pool”

Presented by Eighth Blackbird in association with Yara Arts Group and supported by the MAP Fund, Mirrored Pool blends puppetry, live music, masks by Jaerin Son with designs by Averly Sheltraw and lighting by Seojung Jang. Inspired by Carl Sagan and the Voyager Golden Record, the work reflects humanity’s place in the cosmos and the power of seeing ourselves from a distant vantage point.

About Tom Lee

Tom Lee has worked in puppetry for 25 years, creating original works and performing internationally. His credits include the Tony Award-winning production “War Horse” on Broadway, productions at theMetropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic, St. Ann’s Warehouse and La MaMa. He is co-director of the Chicago Puppet Studio and Chicago Puppet Lab, a 2025 3Arts Teaching Artist Award recipient and the 2025-2026 Astere E. Claeyssens Artist-in-Residence at Northwestern University.

About the Center for Puppetry Arts

The Center for Puppetry Arts is a one-of-a-kind cultural institution where children and adults are educated, enlightened and entertained through performances, workshops and a world-class museum.

Since 1978, the Center has inspired millions of visitors onsite and through digital learning and outreach programs. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Center is supported by corporations, foundations, government agencies and individuals including major funding from the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs and the Georgia Council for the Arts, a partner of the National Endowment for the Arts. The Center is a member of TYA/USA/ASSITEJ and serves as the headquarters of UNIMA-USA