Robert Leroy Smith Exhibit September 6, 2011

Life's travels came full circle in 1991 when, citing family ties and the need to settle in a "cultured yet exciting place where art of all kinds can flourish," Robert returned home to Independence. He continued making marionettes for himself and was commissioned to make them for other puppeteers. As Artist-in-Residence on the faculty of the Music Arts Institute, Robert taught marionette building, playwriting and performance. He performed for young audiences and became involved with PAI and the Hazelle Project.