By: Sara Chernikoff
Nuzzled between the entrance of the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library and the lobby of the Clarice Performing Arts Building is a new exhibition that tells the holistic story of muppet’s creator and University of Maryland alum, Jim Henson.
The exhibit, “Inspired! Jim Henson at Maryland” features 25 pieces of original artwork created by Henson along with theatrical programs, ephemera and photographs of Henson and his family. An interactive digital archive in the exhibit features pages of Henson’s sketchbook as well as his student projects and press clippings.
Benjamin Jackson, a PhD student in ethnomusicology, spent about four months designing and creating the interactive display. Jackson said the archival display guides viewers through Henson’s material legacy from his time at the University of Maryland.
Henson drew everything, according to Jackson – from his college road trips, to his honeymoon, to his first home. The interactive display also includes early sketches of characters that would develop into well known muppets characters, like Kermit the Frog.
Jackson said he used the marked dates and locations on all of Henson’s sketches to create a map that follows Henson along some road trips he took as a student.
The gallery shares a holistic story of exactly who Henson was, his upbringing, what inspired his creativity and the legacy that follows him. Henson’s family has strong ties to the University of Maryland. As the exhibit explains, Henson’s parents met at Maryland. Henson grew up, attended the University of Maryland and met his future wife, Jane at this school.
Vincent Novara, co-curator of the exhibit, believes Henson is a remarkable model for University of Maryland students in multiple disciplines. Novara explained that Henson’s objective was always to pursue television. By the time Henson graduated high school, he was already working in the television business, creating small commercials.
While Henson was a student at UMD, he continued to grow his business by using the resources available to him at school. According to Novara, Henson applied his passion for art by opening a silk screen business in the Adele H. Stamp Student Union.
He also used his talents to paint sets for the theatre department. He involved himself in all manners of creative activity whether academically, entrepreneurially or for his own satisfaction. These experiences and pieces of art would lead to the creation of the Jim Henson Company.
“He has had international impact as a result at his time at Maryland,” said Novara. “He remains a relevant model to this day for our students who are looking to start their own company or business or take their passion projects and run with it. He embodies fearlessness.”
Karen Falk, archives director of the Jim Henson Company and co-curator of this exhibit, believes it is important for students to understand why the university honors Henson’s legacy.
“He really is an inspirational figure in his creativity, his innovation, his entrepreneurship and the messages he put out into the world about tolerance, understanding and caring for one another,” said Falk.
The exhibition will be open to students and the public until the end of next May.