Designer of New Oscar Micheaux Stamp Featured in Article

Iowa's WCF Courier's Melody Parker writes about local artist Gary Kelly and his design for the new Oscar Micheaux stamp which was released yesterday.

Micheaux wrote, directed, produced and distributed more than 40 films in the early to mid 20th century.

According to the article, Gary completed and submitted the artwork nearly three years ago and was based on a portrait of Micheaux that appeared in the 1913 novel, "The Conquest," which was the first of seven novels written by Micheaux in addition to his film making career.


Gene is quoted as saying "I took some liberties, but you can't get too creative or complicated with the artwork."

Melody pens, "The process is lengthy from artwork to postage stamp, which he learned when he was commissioned to create stamps commemorating gospel singers Mahalia Jackson, Clara Ward, Roberta Martin and Sister Rosetta, which were issued in 1998."

Writing about Micheaux, "The filmmaker's success came at a time when there were few African-American filmmakers, scarce venues to show their work and no support from Hollywood. He was awarded posthumously a Directors Guild of America award in 1986 and in 1995, the Producers Guild of America established an award in his honor. Only 15 of his movies have survived in whole or in part," according to Melody.

To read the entire article, click here.