Nyssa Collins

Another Man's Treasure: Trash into Puppets

August 16 - 19, 2026

Open to All Skill Levels

Mixed Media, Special Topics, Puppetry

Overview

Among artists, puppeteers are known for being some of the most resourceful, and this workshop focuses on turning abundant materials from the Anthropocene—often dismissed as trash—into sophisticated and functional puppets. Students will perform deep dives into various materials to discover their hidden potential, mastering structural and rigging methods to ensure their puppets are both sturdy and wearable. Throughout the workshop, students will also discover the distinct character of their creations through performance games and interactive demonstrations.

Course Fee : $506.00

Scholarships & Material Fees

Need help covering workshop costs? Arrowmont offers financial aid opportunities to broaden access to our arts and craft programs. We believe a diverse community enriches the learning experience for all.

Material fees are not included in our national workshop costs, but are included with the cost of our winter short workshops. A material list with estimated costs will be emailed about 30 days before the national workshop begins.

TUITION & FEES

SCHOLARSHIPS

Cost Breakdown

Registration Fee

$50.00

Weekend Workshop Tuition

$506.00

Estimated Cost*
*Fees exclude housing and meal plans

$556.00

VIEW HOUSING & MEAL PLAN COSTS

Artist Bio

Nyssa Collins

Nyssa Collins is a Knoxville, TN based animator and puppeteer. Her shadow puppet and giant puppet works have received several grants, including a Henson Foundation Grant, and been performed in numerous venues, including the Knoxville Museum of Art, The Full Moon Puppet Festival in Minneapolis, and Radical Cheese at Bread and Puppet. She has been commissioned as a public artist by the Town of Chapel Hill, Raleigh Arts, the University of North Carolina, and the Uproar Festival of Public Art. She recently completed an MFA in Time Based Art at the University of Tennessee. She previously worked as a performer and studio artist for five years with Paperhand Puppet Intervention.

Artist Website

Explore the 2D Arts Studio

Located in the historic West Building, the 2D Studio is a bright, multi-use room for all 2D related workshops at Arrowmont. Ideal for our printmaking, bookmaking, and painting or drawing classes, there’s plenty of room for groups of up to 20. A small outdoor courtyard offers a shaded place of respite or an extended outdoor instruction space.

Explore the 2D Arts Studio