Join us for a five-day puppet-making intensive led by Sandy Spieler, the Founder of In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre (HOBT)—a Minneapolis-Saint Paul area arts nonprofit. Participants will work alongside Sandy and learn a traditional building method using cornstarch, papier mache, and clay for a more detailed, fluid face or creature. Each participant will select a being from either forest, prairie, pond, river, or sky and work together to create a unified performance that celebrates the living beings at The Acreage. You will be invited to perform as a group during the annual fall celebration.
5 days, Aug 18th - 22th, plus an option to return for a performance on Sept. 13th
$950 registration fee, includes a shuttle service to and from Twin Cities Metro area, a guided canoe trip on the St. Croix River with Paddlefish Adventures, all workshop materials, light refreshments, and one prepared meal.
An overnight stay is not required but can ease and enhance your experience. The Acreage has a limited number of lodging options, including single rooms, shared rooms, and suites. Please indicate Lodging on your order if you want to stay at The Acreage. There are local hotels, bed and breakfasts and Airbnbs if offsite accommodations are preferred.
What to Expect:
Work alongside Sandy Spieler to learn puppet design, movement, basic sewing, finishing techniques, and performance skills
Advocate for and celebrate diverse ecosystems and water through traditional puppetry and performance
Canoe the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and explore local hiking trails with our guide partner, Paddlefish Adventures
Invitation to perform during the Art & Ecology event at The Acreage on September 13, 2025
Take time for yourself to immerse in the camaraderie and creativity of Giant Puppet making.
The Place: Nestled in western Wisconsin, this magnificent 360-acre expanse includes woodland and prairie habitats that overlook the St. Croix River. It is a magical land featuring natural springs, wetlands, creeks, and ponds. The art making will occur at The Treehaus Studio the newest addition to The Acreage property, and overnight accommodations are in The Stables, a renovated space once home to Horst Rechelbacher and Kiran Stordalen, the founders of Aveda and Intelligent Nutrients.
Meals: Brunch will be provided on August 4th at 11:00 am as part of the Meet & Greet. Throughout your stay, an open kitchen with snacks and warm and cold beverages will be available. A local grocery store is just a short drive from the house and the kitchen has ample space for storage.
Age Requirements: Adults 21+
Skill Level: beginner to advanced, some painting or craft experience is helpful, no theater or puppetry experience is necessary
What to wear: bring clothing and shoes that appropriate for outdoor adventures and art-making activities
What to bring: reusable water bottle, light-weight folding chair or blanket, swimwear, and beach towel