William Walther

William Walther

About the Artist
William Walther has been a professional artist for over 30 years. He has developed special techniques using Styrofoam and paper mache', enhancing the ability of every child to be successful. William has lectured and taught puppetry and sculpture in many Northwest universities,colleges, and public schools. William has an excellent handle on the dynamics of a classroom, the need for rules, order and consistency while keeping the fun in learning. Website: www.centerstagepuppets.com

Credentials:

William Walther studied at Western Oregon State College with a degree in elementary education and minor in art. He also trained at Poyama school a community based psychiatric program that offers an array of intensive mental health services for children ages three through 12 faced with social, emotional and/or neurological challenges.

William has conducted workshops at Western Oregon State College, Oregon State University, Boise State University and Portland State Universtiy among others. Having conducted residencies in over 150 schools in Oregon, Washington and Alaska, William has also done special workshops at LaPush Indian Reservation, Warm Springs Indian Reservation, Library Reading progrmas, and for Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson County ESD Early Childhood Intervention.

 For a printable and downloadable lesson plan please see below.

Residencies:

1. Fairytale Writing Workshop
2. Puppetry: Students create quality puppets based on legends, fairy tales, animals, or class curriculum. Styrofoam balls and Styrofoam meat trays will shape the puppet characteristics. Paper mache’ will be added – (a virtually mess-less kind!) A minimum of three one-hour sessions per classroom.
3. Sculpture: Also based on the Styrofoam technique, taking it several steps further. Ideal for creating forms based on curriculum, such as spaceships, insects, animals, buildings.