Hobey Ford and his Golden Rod Puppets will tour local schools in the Artsbridge Artists on Tour Series Nov. 11-17. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — The Artsbridge Artists on Tour Series will feature a puppet show and an internationally known puppeteer.

Hobey Ford and his Golden Rod Puppets will tour elementary schools in Pleasants, Ritchie, Wood, Jackson and Washington counties Nov. 14-17. Artsbridge provides Study Guides for teachers which include additional information and art activities for classroom use.

The show, “Migration,” is Ford’s sequel to his Golden Rod Puppet show “Animalia.” It is the story of Beatriz, a girl who journeys with her family from her home near Mexico City to the USA.

Ford turns to the natural world of animals to explore the wonders of migration as they are learned through the eyes of a child making her own migratory journey. Ford animal Foamies are performed behind a projection of original animated scenes, taking the audience along with Beatriz on the journey of these incredible creatures.

Ford performs in full view as storyteller, puppeteer and animator in a seamless and almost hypnotic dance between the puppeteer, puppets and original artistic scenery. He is internationally known and an award-winning performer and Kennedy Center Partner in Education teaching artist.

He designs and constructs all of his Golden Rod Puppets as well as the beautiful sets that surround them. Ford has received many awards including the UNIMA Citation of Excellence and has been the recipient of three Jim Henson Foundation grants. Ford not only performs his original works all over the world but also offers workshops to teachers and students. His peers consider Ford both an innovator in puppetry craft and a master storyteller.

Artsbridge provides a variety of in-school arts education programs such as Catalog of Artists, Arts Encounter, and Very Spectacular Arts Festival. Funding for Artsbridge arts education programs is provided in part by the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture, and History, Ohio Arts Council, The Bernard McDonough Foundation, Fenton Foundation, Inc., City of Vienna, City of Parkersburg, and contributors to the Artsbridge Fund.

The presentation is suggested for grades 5 and 6.

The schedule is:

Nov. 14

* 9 a.m., Pleasants Co. Schools, Belmont

* 1 p.m. Ritchie Co. Schools, Ellenboro

Nov. 15

* 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Wood Co. Schools, Blennerhassett Auditorium

Nov. 16

* 9 a.m., Belpre Elementary

* 12:30 p.m. Warren Middle School, Vincent

Nov. 17

* 8:30 a.m., Waterford Elementary School

* 1:15 p.m., Jackson County Schools, Ravenswood