2011 ANNUAL NEW ACQUISITIONS EXHIBIT February 3, 2012 to April
Each year the museum curator is pleased to select a representative exhibit of gifts to the museum received in the past year. While 2011 gifts were smaller in number than in recent past years because of extreme limitations in storage space, the Museum has receive a number of outstanding examples of the puppet arts, including a wonderful selection of Javanese rod puppets of the golek type and masks that will greatly expand our holdings of this major puppet tradition. Also included in this past year’s donations are some superb examples of the work of Alanson ‘Lance’ Davis, one of the early instructors of the art form at the University of Washington (Seattle) during the 1930’s. And not to be missed it the spectacular “Fire Bird” rod puppet created University graduate, Debbie Hammond.
Mayor Lent presented
Mayor & City Council Appreciation Award
to Aurora Valentinetti
and the
Citizen Recognition Award
to Stanley Hess.
Bremerton Mayor Honors Aurora Valentinetti and Museum Curator
On September 24, 2011 the Board of AVPM/ECT hosted a public celebration in honor of the 90th birthday of Aurora Valentinetti and the launching of the Fall Season of programs, exhibits and performances. About 50
supporters, friends, family and former students gathered to honor the Museum's namesake for her 50 years
of teaching and influence in the field of puppetry and children's theatre. Some of the former students Valentinetti
had not seen in decades.
Highlights of the afternoon were the surprise presentations by Bremerton Mayor, Patty Lent of two awards. One presented to Aurora Valentinetti and a second award to Museum Curator, Stanley Hess.
The award to Valentinetti reads as follows:
Mayor & City Council Appreciation Award presented to Aurora Valentinetti. We would like to recognize the long time commitment you have made to the City of Bremerton from your first donation of marionettes, hand puppets, rod puppets and more that equal the 1,000 unit collection enjoyed by children and adults today. The culture you have introduced not only is a visual showcase, but your Evergreen Children's Theatre provided education and entertainment for residence and visitors from around the world. This award is presented as we appreciate your contributions and celebrate your 90th birthday.
Signed: Patty Lent, Mayor
Will Maupin, City Council President
A carefully guarded secret by the event planners was the presentation by the Mayor of a second award to the Musuem Curator, Stanley Hess which reads:
Mayor's Citizen Recognition Award Presented to Stanley Hess: For your outstanding dedication and service to the City of Bremerton through the promotion, marketing and expansion of the Aurora Valentinetti Puppet Museum. You have continued to expose awareness of the Museum on the national and global level. Your recognition in Cambridge Who's Who enhances your position in our community. Thank you for an excellent ocntribution and continued caring of an important cultural asset for the citizens throughout the State.
Signed: Patty Lent, Mayor
Museum Curator, Stanley Hess was especially moved that his 101 year old mother, Kathryne Hess was present to witness the event. Without her support of the curator, the Museum would probably not be celebrating its 12th anniversary.
MUSEUM CURATOR HONORED
Stanley W. Hess, founding Museum Curator of the Aurora Valentinetti Puppet Museum, has been honored by the
international directory Cambridge Who' s Who 2011-2012 as a Professional of the Year representing "Educational Theatre Arts". Hess has a long history of museum service primarily in library and visual resources within the art museum field. His career has included the Seattle Art Museum, The Cleveland Museum
of Art and the Nelson-Adkins Museum (Kansas City, MO). The latter he served as Head Librarian during a pivitol period of that institution's history. Upon returning to his home town community, Hess continued his support of many local non-profits, having served on the Board of the Kitsap County Historical Society & Museum, as well as serving on the Board of Evergreen Children's Theatre and as founding Museum Curator of the Aurora Valentinetti
Puppet Museum, now completing its 12th year.
