The Art of Michael K. Frith: From Pencil to Puppet

This exhibition celebrates the life and work of one of Bermuda’s most accomplished living creatives, Michael K. Frith (Bermudian, b. 1941), and his enormous contribution to the worlds of entertainment, education and popular culture.

Frith was just 14 years old when he told the Royal Gazette of his intention to become a professional cartoonist. A few years later, after making a name for himself as President of The Harvard Lampoon, he began a career as a children’s book editor and illustrator, working closely with Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss) on the groundbreaking Beginner Books series. 

In 1975 Frith joined Jim Henson Productions as Head of Art and Design. He would go on to become Director of Creatives Services and Executive Vice President, spending over twenty years at the company. During this time, he designed countless Muppet characters, including Dr Teeth and Fozzie Bear, and was the Executive Producer on The Muppet Babies, Henson’s first animated series. Frith was the Conceptual Designer and Co-Creator of Fraggle Rock – his most personal project, which was directly inspired by his childhood growing up in Bermuda.

In 1996 Frith co-founded Sirius Thinking, which produced the award-winning PBS reading series Between the Lions. He left behind the world of broadcast television following the tragic events of 9/11 to set up the charity No Strings Productions, which makes life-saving educational puppet films for populations at risk in developing countries.

The pencil and puppet remain at the core of his creative practice today, as does the magic of Bermuda. “On some level, Bermuda influences everything,” he says. “Probably in ways I’ll never know, it shaped the way I either see the world – or, perhaps, would like to.”

The Art of Michael K. Frith: From Pencil to Puppet is on display in the main galleries through to the end of May 2026. Curated by Eve Godet Thomas, with exhibition design by Linda Weinraub of Studio Fluent.