Though she took a less active role in creating the Muppet characters while raising five children and teaching art, Henson found a new role in encouraging young artists to pursue the craft.

You probably saw Big Bird as you entered, accompanied by “Sesame Street” colleagues Bert and Ernie, Elmo, Grover, Oscar and Sherlock Hemlock. And – oh! – there’s Fozzie Bear (wocka wocka ...