Brian Cox's Whimsical Workshop

Me Brian Cox's interest in string and rope figures began many years ago when he was in ''Cubs and Scouts.'' Little did he know then that he would one day be known as the ''Incredible String Man.'' Now, at age 50, he finds himself traveling all over Canada teaching string figures, origami, magic, and juggling. Each 45-minute performance is followed by a ''Whimsical Workshop'' session in which observers are taught to perform. His philosophy is to ''give children an opportunity to try various things, otherwise, how else will they learn?'' Brian's list of activities is truly impressive. When not on the road he works as a counsellor at the Manitoba Youth Centre where he shares his talents with incarcerated kids. Brian believes that mastering a difficult string figure or a tricky paper fold helps kids develop confidence. Since 1983, Cox has served as hands-on activities coordinator at the Winnipeg International Children's Festival, and as ''Kids' Area'' coordinator at the Winnipeg Folk Fest.