PORT TOWNSEND — Artist Thaddeus Jurczynski was recently added to the state Arts Commission’s “Roster of Teaching Artists.”
His application was recommended after an evaluation by arts education panelists.
Jurczynski’s giant puppets and lanterns have made many appearances at local events and festivals, including a 6-foot tall blue glowing anchor for the Jefferson County Historical Society’s “First Night Festival” in 2007; a Chinese dragon-style puppet on permanent display in the children’s section of the Port Townsend Public Library; Yemanja, a 14-foot mermaid puppet located at Sirens pub.
Last summer, Jurczynski created two pigs for a fundraiser for the Pike Place Market Development Association.
His pieces sold for more than $8,000.
This summer he was commissioned by an arts organization in Bellevue, Performing Arts Center Eastside, to produce a “Shakespeare Bench” that will be auctioned off this fall at a fundraiser.
His bench will be on display next month at the Bellevue Art Museum along with 34 benches by other artists.
Jurczynski has been conducting art programs throughout King County as part of 4Culture’s site specific program.
