She went on to explain her goals for the exhibit: In a very visceral way I wanted to see Benda's work kept alive. Many have heard of him but there is a whole contingency of people who don't know that Benda and his masks ever existed. I was so impressed by how beautiful his masks are nearly a century after they were created. His techniques are so simple, just the gummy brown paper tape glued and coated with shellac, paint and a coating of talcum powder to create a soft glow. There is a lot we can all learn by studying his masks. Benda wearing his "Jester" mask. 46 theatre design & technology F A L L 2010 I asked how has benda's work affected her, and after some though she replied, "Part of the effect that it has had upon me is how timeless something can be when passion and craft are combined. It has taught me to bring more passion into my own art work and worry less if someone will like it or not. It has also given me a whole new prospective on masks and their use in theater. I'm trying to incorporate them into future shows. I also realize that papier-mâché is not just for children!" Although the exhibit reopened briefly at the Western Connecticut State University in the Alumni Hall, there are currently no other plans for a remounting. The masks have since been returned to the Connecticut farmhouse awaiting their next opportunity to amaze and beguile us. Fortunately, Popeil recognized the genuine genius behind these creations, and,