San Francisco Rock Posters

The 1960s proved to be a radically innovative time in American history, with the nation opening up to themes of music, sex, and drugs that were previously held taboo in our conservative landscape. The cultural heartbeat of this movement revolved around the eclectic city of San Francisco, California, which spawned the psychedelic art and music movement.

Rock posters incorporating the raw emotional feelings, imagery, musicianship and color of that historical era are currently on display at the Fleming Museum at the University of Vermont. There are five bright exhibit cases that display prominent works from artist WesWilson, who originated the style of poster art. By using a tasteful twist of lettering, he developed a letter form that became synonymous with the San Francisco music scene of the 60s. Thrown into the mix were vivid awakening colors that propelled the viewer to another spectrum of consciousness. Wilson's posters carry a mythical theme that propel an aura of freedom and floating sensation when your eyes become cast upon his work.

The posters were originally designed as publicity for concerts produced by Bill Graham at the Fillmore West and Avalon Ballroom in San Francisco in 1966-67. The bands advertised in the posters are the Grateful Dead Jefferson Airplane, Quicksilver Messengers, The Mother of Invention, and others. These posters were distributed free with the purchase of tickets to these shows.

The artwork also serves as a vivid reference point for that symbolic point in time and evoke the experimental music and lifestyle associated with the 60s. Most importantly, they have the power to transport the concert attendee back to that special time and feeling of the original show, and allow generations who weren't part of the 60's to feel the general vibe of the period.

The collection was generously donated by to the Museum from Dr. Stephen and Trudi Cohen. Dr. Cohen collected the posters while living in San Francisco during 1966-67. One set of posters will be exhibited from January 14 - April 14 and another set from the series will be displayed from April 15 through July 13, with the work of Stanley Mouse on display.

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