State of the Arts

State of the Arts is a local PBS television program produced by Georgia Public Television covering current events relating to the arts in the state of Georgia.

The May 2008 installment of the series opened with an 11-minute segment covering the life of Jim Henson and his connection to Atlanta's Center for Puppetry Arts. The segment included a history of Henson's puppet work and an explanation of Henson's involvement in the founding of the Center for Puppetry Arts and his continued support of the Center, as well as a request for the public to raise funds for the Center's upcoming Jim Henson Wing. Footage shown during the segment included various clips from Henson productions, as well as clips of Henson performing Kermit, Rowlf, and Ernie live during the Center's 10th anniversary celebration in 1988 and the museum's current Henson exibition.

Interviewed were Jane Henson, Bonnie Erickson, Center director and former Puppeteers of America president Vince Anthony, and curtator of collections Brad Clark.