El Paso artist speaks about importance of Black History Month
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- El Paso artist Anthony Michael Stokes has risen to the top of the puppetry world in recent years. The 2023 Jim Henson Foundation Artist in Residency at the Eugene O'Neill Center, Stokes will head to Connecticut at the beginning of March for a 2-week workshop. He is the first black artist named to the post.
Stokes spends his days teaching theater at Jefferson High School. During his free time, he pours himself into his art. Stokes received a $7,000 grant to create puppets for his residency.
The work he is putting together right now retells The Wizard of Oz. In his version, the Scarecrow gets a backstory and a name. Stokes has woven much of his own experience into the piece.
Stokes is pushing the boundaries of puppetry. In his most recent work, the actors appear beside the puppets they operate, an experimental move.
I spoke with Stokes about his thoughts on Black History Month. He says it's important for everyone to reflect on the legacy of the black people who have come before.
Stokes has a number of role models in his field. He says he draws inspiration from their work and legacy. "The fact that we're continually still making black history, I think that says it all," Stokes says. "You know it's like, it's still happening, we're still making it, and I fell blessed that I even get to be a tiny little part of that."
