Join artist Toni Mikulka-Chang for an immersive, weekend-long collaborative workshop in which we will co-create a giant puppet from recycled and reclaimed materials — a living sculpture shaped by the ecological and cultural vision of the Bioneers community. Held during afternoons by the Marsh Theater (weather permitting) throughout the conference, this hands-on experience invites us to participate in a shared practice of imagination, dialogue, and collective creation.

 We will begin with group visioning and a story circle in which we will explore themes central to Bioneers—ecological regeneration, biomimicry, Indigenous knowledge systems, climate justice, interdependence, and community resilience. We will then translate these ideas into physical form through sculpting and structural design, followed by layered papier-mâché, natural and low-impact painting processes, as well as collaborative surface adornment.

By weekend’s end, the puppet will stand fully realized — a monumental, community-crafted being that embodies our shared commitment to environmental stewardship, cultural healing, and systems change.

No prior art experience is necessary — only a willingness to collaborate, work with your hands, and participate in the collective act of bringing vision into form.