How did the Austin Area Commission for the Arts form a partnership with an outfit called Z Puppets Rosenschnoz?

We started at the end of the alphabet, of course. Just kidding.

We were looking for an organization that forges new bridges between arts education and science education. Z Puppets Rosenschnoz are award-winning artists from Minneapolis pioneering in STEAM education through the medium of puppetry.

Z Puppets is led by Shari Aronson and Chris Griffith who have been creating innovative, interactive experiences for families and youth for over 20 years.

Aronson and Griffith have been commissioned by the Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota Children’s Museum and Minnesota History Center to create performances and exhibits. Z Puppets has won national and regional acclaim for their Arts for All Abilities, STEM of Puppetry and Arts and Mindfulness programs.

Their work has earned the support of the Jim Henson Foundation, Ivey Awards, Perpich Center for Arts Education and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Z Puppets is bringing STEAM education to the Austin area in four ways: Kids Studio classes, a residency at I.J. Holton Intermediate School, a gallery exhibit at the ArtWorks Center and a performance of “Cellula” at the Paramount Theatre. This partnership is funded by a 2017 Minnesota State Arts Board Arts Learning Grant.

Registration is open now for “Shadow Puppet Cell Science,” a Kids Studio class presented by Z Puppets on Saturday, Feb. 11 at the ArtWorks Center. The cost is just $5 per student and it is appropriate for ages 4-14. Space is limited.

Z Puppets residency at Holton started with a performance of “Minnesota AHA!” in January and is followed by four days of puppet labs focusing on recycled object puppet construction in February. All fifth- and sixth-graders at Holton will participate in puppet labs.

The Holton students’ construction process will be photographed to create a gallery show at the ArtWorks Center opening on Feb. 24. The public is welcome to attend the gallery opening from 5 to 7 p.m. and the exhibit will be open until April 1.

Z Puppets work in Austin will conclude with the presentation of Cellula, a glow-in-the-dark bed time story of cell mitosis, at 2 to 7 p.m. at the Historic Paramount Theatre on March 25.

Tickets are available now at www.austinareaarts.org or at the ArtWorks Center at 300 N Main Street, Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Coming soon

Paramount Theatre

•Harris Piano Competition: Feb. 11

•Paramount Jazz: Feb. 12

ArtWorks Center

•Wheel Throwing Date Night with Hjordie Danielson, ages 21 and over: Friday, Feb. 10

•$5 Kids Studio — Shadow Cell Science with Z Puppets Rosenshnoz: Feb. 11

Find out more at www.austinareaarts.org