Ralph Lee, Westbeth Icon, is honored by the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation

Image via 6sqft photo by Erin Kestenbaum

Ralph Lee, lifelong artist, is the father of the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade. From the age of seven, he knew he wanted to work in the theatre. At 11 he created his own puppet company, and at 17 he became a set designer. The first Village Halloween Parade in 1974 incorporated over one hundred of Ralph’s masks and giant puppets. Following the twelfth parade in 1985, Lee stepped down from his position as director, stating, “The parade has always been a celebration of the individual imagination in all its infinite variety. It continues to provide a framework for this expression and invites the participation of everyone.” His Wesbeth studio remains filled with new and old puppet creations.

On June 6, 2018 GVSHP will hold its 38th Annual Meeting and 28th Annual Village Awards in the landmarked Auditorium of The New School.

Each June GVSHP holds a community-wide celebration, consisting of its Annual Meeting and Village Awards presentation. The Village Awards recognize the very special people, places, businesses, and organizations that make a significant contribution to the quality of life in Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo. We will also review GVSHP’s accomplishments and work from the past year.
Reception to follow.

More info at http://www.gvshp.org/_gvshp/events/awards-2018.htm