West Bend, Wi – On September 9, 2025, the Museum of Wisconsin Art lost a dear friend and colleague in Anwar Floyd-Pruitt. His death impacted many including Museum of Wisconsin Art executive director Laurie Winters, who submitted the piece below.
The recent death of our friend and museum colleague Anwar Floyd-Pruitt has caused me to reflect on the meaning of the often-used expression a “full and consequential life.” It’s one of those phrases that gets tossed out at memorials like so many others and is often linked to the idea that an individual’s merit can be measured by whether the deceased’s name is used and remembered positively. Those simple words now resonate with meaning for me.
The loss of Anwar Floyd-Pruitt, after a long and courageous battle with cancer, leaves an immeasurable void in our hearts and in the MOWA community. He was a gentle soul, a brilliant artist, a passionate curator, and a beacon of creativity and kindness. He also 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.
Anwar’s death is not only a loss deeply felt by MOWA and our museum community. In the days following his passing, social media lit up with black hearts and profound statements of grief; his memorial was standing room only with more than four hundred people squeezing in to hear and to remember.
A family member quipped that they should have held the service at Brewers stadium. Sitting in the memorial, I realized that the depth of our loss was shared by every person in that room—certainly by family and friends, but also by artists of every age and race who had come from the far corners of state to remember Anwar not only for his immense talent, but for his warmth, depth, humor, and generous spirit.
Although he died at the all-too-young age of 48, Anwar lived a “full and consequential life.” He made the museum a better place and he inspired everyone he met through his love of art.
To ensure that Anwar’s efforts to build a community of artists carry forward, the Museum of Wisconsin Art is proud to announce the launch next spring of a biennial artist party that will be named in his honor. Anwar will be truly, fiercely missed, but his spirit and legacy will live on in our community and in our hearts. We will say his name often and with gratitude.
Laurie Winters
James and Karen Hyde Executive Director
Below is a previous article retarding MOWA colleague Anwar Floyd-Pruitt
September 11, 2025 – West Bend, Wi – The Museum of Wisconsin Art in West Bend, Wi, has offered a heartfelt salute to colleague Anwar Floyd-Pruitt who recently lost his battle with cancer. The tribute below is from MOWA executive director Laurie Winters.
Dear Friends of MOWA,
We are heartbroken to share the news of our beloved colleague and friend, Anwar Floyd-Pruitt, who passed away on September 9, 2025 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Anwar’s absence leaves an immeasurable void in our hearts and in the MOWA community. He was a gentle soul, a brilliant artist, a passionate curator, and a beacon of creativity and kindness.
Anwar 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.
Amidst an outpouring of love and kind words from friends and community members, the family has requested privacy as they cope with the loss of Anwar in these early days. Plans for a memorial service are under way, and we will share those details as they become available.
For now, take care and think of others during this difficult time. It’s what Anwar would do.
With much sadness,
Laurie Winters
CEO | Executive Director
Museum of Wisconsin Art
