The local arts community is mourning the loss of Anwar Floyd-Pruitt, who died Tuesday after a long battle with cancer.
Floyd-Pruitt, an interdisciplinary artist, curator and puppeteer from Milwaukee, served as the second artist in residence at Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel throughout 2024.
“Anwar’s absence leaves an immeasurable void in our hearts and in the [Museum of Wisconsin Art] community. He was a gentle soul, a brilliant artist, a passionate curator, and a beacon of creativity and kindness,” MOWA executive director Laurie Winters wrote in an Instagram post.
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Winters went on to write that Floyd-Pruitt “had a unique gift for making those around him feel seen, inspired and deeply valued. His light – both as a human being and as an artist – touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. We will remember him not only for his immense talent, but for his warmth, quick wit, and generous spirit. Anwar’s legacy will live on in our community and in our hearts, and he will be truly, fiercely missed.”
Winters noted that plans for a memorial service would be forthcoming.
Floyd-Pruitt’s studio was based at House of RAD, an artist and craftsperson collective at 324 N. 12th St.
In an Instagram post, artist Melanie Ariens, who also has a space at House of RAD, said she’s “processing the loss” of Floyd-Pruitt, whom she described as “an amazing artist, advocate, curator, and human, as well as a beloved studio neighbor. … I will always think of you and miss your signature laugh and gleaming smile.”
She added that all artists “are charged with keeping on with love and joy in honor of your creative spirit.”
Floyd-Pruitt studied psychology at Harvard while also performing stand-up comedy. He even played on the Harvard football team until sidelined by injuries.
He returned to Milwaukee and intensified his focus on art. He enrolled in UW-Milwaukee’s B.F.A. program, where he specialized in sculpture. He later earned an M.F.A. from UW-Madison.
“My heart is heavy with the loss of my friend, Anwar Floyd-Pruitt,” Milwaukee-born surrealist painter Fred Stonehouse posted on social media. “A truly beautiful soul gone too soon. Anwar was talented, kind, generous, creative and joyful. The world is lessened at his passing. He will live on in my memory and stories as long as I’m around. Rest in peace brother.”
