Stories to Tell and Retell: The Puppets of Ashley Bryan

African and African-American folk tales are explored through the puppets of Ashley Bryan. This exhibition includes approximately 25 puppets and related works of art from MAM’s Collection as well as a puppet theater for children to create their own stories. Puppetry is a tradition that spans all cultures and generations. Puppetry continues to be popular around the world and attracts audiences of all ages. This exhibition looks at how a contemporary artist is influenced by African art and culture to tell both old and new stories through the art of puppetry.

Ashley Bryan is a highly acclaimed illustrator, storyteller, puppet maker and scholar of African and African-American folklore. Bryan may be best known for his books, which include illustrations for more than 30 titles, many of which he also wrote or retold based on traditional stories. Beat the Story Drum, Pum-Pum won the Coretta Scott King Award “for its spirited illustrations,” and four others have been selected as Coretta Scott King Honor Books.