Artist Biography

Dave is a painter, writer, and theatre artist living and working in North Adams, MA. He is a two-time Jim Henson Foundation grant recipient for his original play The Chronicles of Rose, which tells the story of Rose Valland who helped save countless European paintings from being lost forever during WWII.

When he is not in his studio, David teaches performance and classes in creative-practice at Siena College in Albany, NY. In 2016, Siena produced his original clown play The Painting, which was selected to be presented at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, Region One.

David was a co-creator and the lead designer of Iniskim, an illuminated, night-time puppet performance in celebration of the return of Buffalo to Banff National Park, Canada. This summer, David will co-lead the 10th edition of the New England Puppet Intensive, a 10 day laboratory in puppet design and creation practices.

David studied Drama at the University of Calgary with the likes of Clem Martini and improv guru Keith Johnstone, and earned an MFA in Theatre from Sarah Lawrence College in New York.

Artist News/Workshops

2024 New England Puppet Intensive — Design Edition

July 12 – 22, 2024

Immerse yourself in the ultimate studio experience with NEPI’s fully stocked puppet-making lab set against the backdrop of the beautiful Berkshires. Alongside studio activity, we engage in a mindful and physical practice — providing participants time for reflection, and the opportunity to explore creative impulses that dovetail with expressive design.  Curriculum includes: Character Design; Technical Drawing, Sculpting & Casting, Painting, Controls, Joints, Costuming, Lantern Puppets, and more!

More info: www.newenglandpuppet.org

MASS MoCA Wood Carving and Puppet Design Residency

June 6 – 10, 2024

The wood carving puppet laboratory returns for another edition in residence at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. This edition, we’ll dig deep into traditional European-style carving techniques and create beautiful, inspired puppets together.  Topics include: Character design, technical drawings, band-saw rough outs, knife technique, controls, joints, Fettig mechanisms, painting, and simple costume patterning.

More info: www.assetsforartists.org/workshops-in-residence

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