Join us, Puppetmaster213 (Cain Carias), community artists, and surprise musical guests on Thursday, September 4th, 2025 from 7-9:30 PM for the closing reception for the exhibition PUPPET MASTER'S PLAYGROUND.
Celebrate all things Puppetmaster213 + El Triste + La Smiley as we bid farewell to our new friends in style, with music, performances, and a special live Art event.
Puppet Master’s Playground is a creative and interactive installation led by Cain Carias (PuppetMaster 213), designed to inspire the community through puppetry, art, and storytelling. Including a diverse selection of works including paintings, photography, texxtiles, repurposed dolls, and handcrafted materials, this immersive experience showcases one-of-a-kind marionettes that reflect the vibrant culture and spirit of Los Angeles. Visitors can expect to explore custom-built puppets on display, participate in workshops to create their own puppets and engage in conversations around identity, community, and creativity. Additional accompanying programming includes includes performances, workshops, film screenings, neighborhood cleanups, community cookouts, and collaborations with local artists—making it more than an exhibit; it’s a movement centered on unity, imagination, and reclaiming public space through art.
Admission is free.
All ages are welcome.
Light refreshments provided
PROGRAM:
PROGRAM:
6:30 PM Doors open.
7:15 PM Welcoming
7:30 PM Music + Live art Event
8:15 PM Puppetmaster's Performance
9:30 PM End of Event
Cain Carias, also known as PuppetMaster213, is a Los Angeles-based puppeteer, artist, and community storyteller originally from Tijuana, Mexico. Raised in the heart of MacArthur Park, Cain developed a raw and authentic puppetry style that blends marionette traditions with the soul of Los Angeles street culture—lowriders, murals, hip hop, and everyday barrio life. He was personally taught by the legendary Bob Baker and spent over 15 years performing at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater, where he found purpose and mastered his craft. In collaboration with Ms. Reyes Arte (Lil G’ Dolls), Cain brought to life El Triste and La Smiley—iconic puppets that represent struggle, love, and survival in brown and immigrant communities. Through his movement, Puppet Master’s Playground, Cain creates spaces that uplift the community with shows, workshops, cleanups, and storytelling rooted in lived experience. His work proves that puppetry isn’t just entertainment—it’s a way to heal, educate, and represent life in Los Angeles.
PUPPET MASTER'S PLAYGROUND is on view from July 10th - September 4th, 2025.
Please note: The Goethe-Institut will be closed July 25th - August 10th, 2025
During Office Hours: July 11th, 2025 - September 4th, 2025
Mondays: CLOSED
Tuesday–Thursdays: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Fridays: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Secure, free Parking is available at Metro/Retail parking structure with rear entrance to the Goethe-Institut located at 674 S. Westlake Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90057
Public transport is possible with the red line to MacArthur Park/Westlake stop. Using carpool or ride-share options are appreciated.
PUPPET MASTER'S PLAYGROUND is part of the Neighborhood Interpretive Center, a hyperlocal initiative of cultural programs that focus on and uplift the MacArthur Park/Westlake neighborhood and surrounding areas.
