I look forward to the Calgary Climate Hub newsletter that advertises upcoming events.  When I saw a puppetry workshop hosted by Slopes Studio and the opportunity to make a fish puppet, I was intrigued and signed up.  I was not too sure what I had signed up for, but I had fun making climate flags at an earlier event in the art of protest series, so was happy to give it a go.  I had already learned that you don't have to be a great artist to participate, just be curious and try things. 

I had a great time!  I learned that Slopes Studio is passionate about protecting the Eastern Slopes from coal mining and makes amazing huge papier-mâché fish that are used in performance art to bring attention to the dangers of coal mining toxins on trout.  I learned about the history of posters in protest, and had my own little fish zine.  This was all while I was channelling my inner craft making skills and creating small fish out of toilet paper rolls, paint, cardboard, glitter and pens.  Each of us created such unique looking fish.  I could have taken my lovely fish puppet home, but I wanted a small child to be able to play with it and swim with the big trout at the next protest march.