The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, and Fraggle Rock, are some of my fondest childhood memories that have been brought to life in the new Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited. Opening today, Friday, June 1, at the Skirball Cultural Center through September 2, 2018. Plan a visit and immerse yourself in the genius of Jim Henson.
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Henson was a visionary genius who had such an impact on contemporary culture as well as my childhood. In his short life (1936-1990), he created many imaginary worlds, that often times celebrated diversity, encouraged social responsibility, and concern for the environment. It’s appropriate that the Skirball is hosting this exhibition as their raison d’être of inclusivity is very similar to Henson’s. His characters and stories gave children the tools for understanding that not everyone is the same gender, race, or culture and not everyone has the same abilities. His characters taught children how to have empathy and compassion towards others and to celebrate the uniqueness in all of us. Every show, every character, every word, lyric, etc., had a teachable moment.
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Jim Henson’s daughter, pictured above, along with the Jim Henson Foundation helped make this exhibition possible. As a child, Henson's grandmother, an accomplished painter, seamstress, and crafter, encouraged his creativity from an early age. In his teenage years, he considered himself a visual artist and made little comic strips or cartoons. His sketchbook can be seen through one of the interactive iPads on the walls. Henson also had a love of “television” from an early age and said that he badgered his parents for a TV set constantly.
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It’s hard to believe Kermit the Frog has been around since 1955, when Henson and his wife started a company and he developed their very first television show, “Sam and Friends”. Over the next several years, he would develop a team of very talented people and together they would explore new ideas and work as a cohesive team on all projects; Henson was very well known and appreciated for his creative collaborations with others. Photos, sketches, and film clips from this time are all on display at the Skirball.
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I grew up with Bert and Ernie, Grover, and my favorite Beaker, while so many loved Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal. The exhibition explores every era in depth through interactive and visual content his family has worked hard to save and share through the years. I could’ve spent hours looking through and reading everything; it felt so nostalgic.
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I could honestly go on and on about all there is to see at this exhibition, but it really must be seen in person. It's truly a phenomenal show and your children will love it just as much as we adults do.
IF you are a Skirball member, there will be a “members-only” preview Thursday, May 31, from noon to 5PM. Explore the gallery throughout the day or take a curated-led tour at 12:30PM or 3:00PM. Reservations are required for the tours.
Want a rare opportunity to see the exhibition after hours? On Friday, June 1, from 6:00PM to 10:00PM, you can enjoy late-night gallery hours, with a DJ, food trucks, and a cash bar. Roving puppeteers will delight you with their humor as you check out The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited on Opening Night.
Bring the whole family to the exhibition and then enjoy some feature films under the stars with the Outdoor Movies Series on June 29th and July 13th. Jim Henson’s beloved characters hit the road to find success The Muppet Movie and then dress up as your favorite characters to watch the cult classic Labyrinth. For more information, call (877)SCC-4TIX or go online to SKIRBALL website.
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