Images(2)

Storyboard

Object number2023.178.2

Artist Peggy Ann Owens Skillen

Date1971

MediumPaperboard; Paint; Ink; Adhesive tape

Credit LineGift of Suzetta Large

DescriptionPainted storyboard piece of Aloysius Snuffleupagus or Mr. Snuffleupagus. Painting is in the shape of the character on white paperboard. Variegated brown anteater-like mammoth -creature is in profile view facing to the proper right. Character has green and yellow eyes and pink tongue in open mouth.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 8 x 12.125 x 0.031 in. (20.3 x 30.8 x 0.1 cm)
InscriptionsPaper that is adhered to the reverse has repeated gray printed text "PANTONE".
Historical NotesMr. Snuffleupagus character sketch, 1971. Part of a collection of artwork by Peggy Ann Owens Skillen.Label TextPeggy Owens Skillen helped to create the modern version of the PBS-TV show Sesame Street. A graduate of Monessen High School, Storer College, and Carnegie Tech, Skillen worked at the Pittsburgh Courier before heading to New York City. It is uncertain how she connected with Sesame Street, but collection materials suggest that she drew character sketches, possible storyboard scenes, and props. Her work symbolized the show’s commitment to giving voice to African American and urban experiences rarely depicted on TV when it debuted in 1969. Sesame Street’s producers consciously recruited a diverse staff to accomplish this purpose. Skillen later continued her role in arts and education as a reading specialist in the New York City School system. The materials in our collection show that Skillen created character sketches, possible storyboard street scenes, and perhaps items that served as props. After her work with Sesame Street, she continued her role in arts and education, working as a reading specialist in the New York City School system for many years.

Related institution Public Broadcasting Service

Related institution Monessen High School

Related institution Carnegie Mellon University

Previous owner Pittsburgh Courier (1907 - 1966)

Subjects