Hello Friends! My name is Mary Hildebrand Nagler and I am an Artist Puppeteer!

I am here to tell you about an exciting adventure I am about to embark on, but I need a little help to see me through.

I have a wonderful opportunity to do some international travel this summer as fulfillment of an adventure I embarked on five years ago. Covid had begun, and Bernd Ogrodnik, internationally known puppeteer and master carver, had all his international tours cancel. He had thought to make an online carving class someday, available when he retired and no longer touring. The Covid pandemic, forced him to stay put, but gave him the freedom of time to start his online dream.

I was one of the first to sign up d learned the fundamentals. We made magical birds that could talk, fly, and fold their wings, little colorful fish, and several marionettes; my first one is a child ballerina. My favorite creation is a flea circus ringmaster that is himself a flea! Fully jointed tabletop puppets that you can operate with one hand, and more, came from my occasionally nicked fingers. Yes, I bled a little, but it was worth it.

Carving the wood is both meditative, creative, and at times frustrating, but I have never been so engaged in a process that challenged my creativity, experience, and perseverance.

After completing the Academy, Bernd started his Mastermind Program that challenged his students to build a show using some of the puppets and processes gained so far. That is what I am working on now, my new show Auntie.

This summer in July, the Mastermind students, many of whom I call friends now, are joining Bernd in Iceland for a retreat, full of adventure, study, and camaraderie. I have PAID my down payment and have my plane ticket. I need another $2,000.00 to finish paying for the retreat and some to cover my expenses while I am away and a little more for travel money. $3,000.00 would do it proper. Any amount would be appreciated. Thank you in advance!