His work experience began as an illustrator for interior designer, Robert Harold. He was the display manager for a number of Broadway Department Stores for 34 years. At the same time, he was working for Bob Baker designing puppets and scenery. This ongoing relationship has lasted for more than 45 years! One of his jobs with Baker was working on the animation in windows at Disneyland and Disney World.

During his career, John has worked with many prominent puppeteers and designers including Bob Baker, Jody Baron Productions, Richard Jones, Hazel Newsom, John Zweers and Jim Gamble. He has worked on productions for cruise ships, television, commercials, displays, interior designs and scenery.

He has been invaluable at COPA. Currently he is documenting books from Alan Cook’s large collection. To date, more than 1000 books have been entered into the COPA database. These books are now available for research on all aspects of puppetry in the COPA office.

John Leland is dedication to COPA because he feels strongly that this oldest theatrical art form, puppetry, should be kept intact. It is an asset to the community for its historic significance, as a teaching tool and its relevance to ethnic diversity. Puppetry has been practiced all  over the world  for many centuries. This collection is one of the largest and finest in the United States.  He says “keep puppetry alive. Don’t let it die out!”  It is people like John that will insure that this does not happen.

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