Since 2003, Calgary Animated Objects Society has been dedicated to the arts of mask, puppetry, animated objects and film, unleashing the artistic spirit of multitudes of artists through festivals and performances. CAOS was formed and is still lead by wildly creative multi-disciplinary artist and cultural activist Xstine Cook, who uses the power of storytelling to bring unconventional stories and art forms to light, putting into practice her core belief that all humans are art makers, and acts of radical creativity are necessary to evolve our understanding of ourselves, each other and our world.

Join artists from CAOS for fun shows and activities in and around the Talk Tent.

These include Music as Puppetry, a music-mask-movement collaboration between composer/violinist James Watson and dance artist Jocelyn Mah that explores musical keys with a special emphasis on mask, theatre and a sense of lightheartedness. Itsy Bitsy Puppet Shows invite you to peek into the fascinating world of tiny puppet shows in suitcases, each hand crafted and performed by artists Kyle Hinton, Sara McNeil, Claudia Chagoya and Tia DeLauria. Through Mask Making with CAOS, make your own paper mask. Choose a Canadian animal design, colour and decorate it, then cut it out and wear it! It’s a fun hands-on facilitated activity for all ages. If that isn’t enough, keep your eyes peeled for the Feathers and Friends roving performers and have a chat with some special friends as they flap around the park.

— Kerry Carke