A Tribute to Sesame Street

40. Sesame Street recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. They say that 40 is the new 30, but in Sesame Street's case it is three, four and five. What child those ages hasn't been touched by Sesame Street in one way or another? And not just in our country, but children from all over the world.

Berwyn, Illinois artist, Miro Ledajaks, writes a touching anecdote on the effects Sesame Street had on his life:

"I was brought to the U.S. as a 4-year-old from a communist country in August, 1969. About three months later 'Sesame Street' came on the air...it was and still is a very well-written and produced program and I believe it had a profound effect on my life that helped shape who I am today.
I came back to painting a few years ago and decided to incorporate a pop aspect to my work. It was only natural to pay tribute to some of my favorite Sesame Street characters. Sesame Street, above all, showed me that art, and expression through art, was a very important part of life. I was truly and deeply influenced by Sesame Street. Even though I was only 4- and 5-years-old I feel that I saw a unique quality in the show. To me Sesame Street wasn't/isn't just some mindless television show; it was/is a shaper of lives, in a very good and important way.

Thank you Sesame Street, Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Muppeteers and everyone who made all those amazing characters come to life."

From his Sesame Street inspiration comes the body of work you see above. Terrific! Thank you for sharing your story Miro.

What is your favorite Sesame Street memory?

I had the same experience as Miro (albeit a different communist country).

I'm sad that there is no longer Sesame Street in Canada -- you need cable or satellite to watch it on PBS, and there is no longer a Canadian version.

I've watched Rue Sesame in France, and it is fun, and it is a variation, but not quite Sesame Street.

Just this weekend, we had a couple of kids come over and stay; do you know what they all wanted to watch, even the 12 year old? Sesame Street Old School. And when they were done with that? The Storyteller.

Thank you Jim Henson.

You are still missed.

posted by mschatelaine on November 16th 2009 at 2:06pm
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I just loved it when the characters interviewed real kids.

This classic clip with John John and Bert might be the cutest thing ever.

posted by mere1975 on November 17th 2009 at 10:40am
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I have loved re-discovering Sesame Street with my 2 year old. I especially love old school Aaron Neville and Ernie singing "But I Don't Want the Live on the Moon" and the new school Feist singing "Counting to Four".

Sadly, the first thing I thought of when I saw this guy's awesome paintings was that he better have a good attorney lined up. Sesame Workshop is pretty fierce about their licensing.

posted by Sugarbakers on November 17th 2009 at 12:50pm
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