Press Release

For immediate release: April 25, 2017
Media contact: Andrea Foust
Membership and Public Relations Manager
Hallie Ford Museum of Art at Willamette University
503-370-6867
Public contact: 503-370-6855 | museum-art@willamette.edu

Exhibitions Unite for Psychedelic 60s Fun

SALEM, Ore.—The Hallie Ford Museum of Art at Willamette University is pleased to present three exhibitions that collectively celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love by exploring San Francisco's iconic psychedelic posters and fashion of the 60s, as well as the influential role of Pop and Op art. 

Behind the Beyond: Psychedelic Posters and Fashion in San Francisco, 1966-71
Organized by artist Gary Westford, and drawn from his extensive personal collection, the exhibition features more than 100 iconic posters, historic photographs, and related ephemera that highlight the development of the “psychedelic” art style. The exhibition also charts how psychedelia influenced both street and high fashion through 20 examples of clothing. In addition, visitors will be able to experience a light show by Bill Ham who was known for his revolutionary swirling backdrops that accompanied many legendary rock concerts of the time. This major exhibition will be accompanied by a book, a variety of lectures, films, and gallery talks, as well as a children’s art camp. “Behind the Beyond” opens June 3 in the Melvin Henderson-Rubio Gallery and the Maribeth Collins Lobby and continues through August 27, 2017.

Turned On!: The American Blacklight Poster, 1967-71
Step into a blacklight gallery and experience the electrifying art of 10 posters as well as an eye-popping Op art dress from the collection of Gary Westford. Although blacklights and fluorescing inks had been in existence since earlier in the century, it was the 60s artists who popularized the medium through posters that were marketed across the country. They were often designed in celebration of the liberation and freedom that was, in part, associated with the utilization of psychedelic drugs and the search for new or “alternative” realities. Subjects included colorfully idealized visions of wild and idyllic “psychedelic” landscapes; images of handsome young hippies; rock stars such as Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, and Janis Joplin; Hells Angels bikers; Jesus Christ; the peace and earth movements; Native American, African American, and Mexican American heroes; and artfully complex non-objective geometric prints that referenced Op artists’ use of high-intensity color contrasts. This exhibition opens May 13 in the Study Gallery and continues through July 16, 2017.

The 60s: Pop and Op Art Prints from the Collection of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation
Organized by Director John Olbrantz, this exhibition explores how the Pop and Op art movements, that emerged in the 1960s, had a profound influence on the development of psychedelic posters and fashion, and features work by nine artists including Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Rauschenberg and Josef Albers. Pop and Op art, along with a host of other movements and styles, would ultimately lead to the emergence of post-modern art in the mid-1970s and beyond. This exhibition opens May 13 in the Print Study Center and continues through October 22, 2017.  

Financial Support
Financial support for the "Behind the Beyond" exhibition and book was provided by generous gifts from Collier Law, Salem, Oregon, and Wolfgang's Vault, Reno, Nevada. Additional support was provided by an endowment gift from the Hallie Ford Exhibition Fund; and by gifts from Nathan Good Architects, PC, and the BAM Agency, Salem, Oregon. Support for all three exhibitions was also provided by general operating support grants from the City of Salem's Transient Occupancy Tax funds and the Oregon Arts Commission.

Behind the Beyond Exhibition Related Events

Lecture
Behind the Beyond: Psychedelic Posters and Fashion in San Francisco, 1966-71
Presented by Gary Westford
Friday, June 2, 2017 at 5 p.m.
Paulus Lecture Hall, Willamette University College of Law
Free and open to the public

Gary Westford will provide a brief overview of the psychedelic music and poster movements in San Francisco, the artists who made them, and their artistic influences. It will include examples of poster work done for Bill Graham’s Fillmore Auditorium, and Chet Helm’s Family Dog, as well as other venues in the city. In addition, he will also explore the blacklight poster movement and touch on the stylistic diversity in fashion, from both hippie and Haute Couture perspectives.

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Lecture
From Seed to Flower:
The Evolution of the Psychedelic Poster in
San Francisco Before the Summer of Love, 1965-67
Presented by Scott Montgomery
Associate Professor, Art History, University of Denver
Thursday, June 8, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.
Paulus Lecture Hall, Willamette University College of Law
Free and open to the public

Scott Montgomery will trace the origins and development of the psychedelic poster in San Francisco over its initial, formative period, from its embryonic manifestations in “The Seed,” the seminal poster for the Charlatan’s psychedelic residency at the Red Dog Saloon in Virginia City, Nevada, in June 1965, to the full blossoming of the psychedelic style by the onset of The Summer of Love in June 1967. Grounded in the so-called hippie movement, the psychedelic poster emerged as a visual litmus test for being “turned-on” or hip. During this long “Psychedelic Spring,” of June 1965 to June 1967, the psychedelic poster was a primary visual means through which the San Francisco counterculture spoke to itself, fashioning its most powerful artistic visual identity.

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Gallery Talks with Gary Westford
Behind the Beyond: Psychedelic Posters and Fashion in San Francisco, 1966-71

     Tuesday, June 13, 2017
     Tuesday, July 11, 2017
     Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Tours will commence at 12:30 p.m. in the Maribeth Collins Lobby
These gallery talks are free and open to the public

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Film Showings

     Thursday, June 22, 2017
     The 60s: The Years That Shaped a Generation
     
     Thursday, July 13, 2017
     Monterey Pop
     
     Thursday, July 27, 2017
     American Experience: Summer of Love
     
     Thursday, August 10, 2017
     Gimme Shelter

Films start at 7 p.m. in the Roger Hull Lecture Hall at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art and are free and open to the public
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Kids Summer Art Camp
SUMMER ART BLAST 2017: Feeling Groovy, Making Art
Hallie Ford Museum of Art
June 26-30, 2017 | 9 a.m. to noon
Ages 8-12 | Class limit: 10 students
Pre-registration required by June 9, 2017
HFMA Members: $108; Non-members: $120
All supplies provided

Children will design, print and paint up a storm of fun with artist Sonia Allen and Elizabeth Garrison, The Cameron Paulin Curator of Education at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art. Together they will explore and find inspiration in the exhibition, Behind the Beyond: Psychedelic Posters and Fashion in San Francisco, 1966-71. Learn more and register today.

About the Hallie Ford Museum of Art

As one of Oregon's largest art museums, the Hallie Ford Museum of Art features works by Pacific Northwest and Native American artists, and includes a diverse collection of traditional European, American and Asian art, as well as artifacts that date from antiquity. Frequently changing exhibitions include lectures, special events, tours, artist demonstrations and educational opportunities for children and adults.

The museum is located at 700 State St. in Salem. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. The galleries are closed on Monday. General admission is $6, $4 for seniors and $3 for students 18 and older. Students 17 and under and children are admitted free. Admission is free for everyone on Tuesdays. For more information call 503-370-6855.

Exhibition Publication
Behind the Beyond: Psychedelic Posters and Fashion in San Francisco, 1966-71

Essay © 2017 by Gary Westford
© 2017 by the Hallie Ford Museum of Art 
Softcover, full color, 32 pages
Available at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art starting 6/2/2017
Price to be announced

| More information |

High Resolution Photos for Media

Copyright Notice:
The following images posted on this page are for publicity purposes only, intended for use by journalists in media-related publications. Use of any image must be accompanied by its credit line. Use of these images by any other parties or for any other purposes, private or commercial, is strictly prohibited unless the express written consent is obtained directly from Hallie Ford Museum of Art. For information regarding educational, personal and commercial use of images, please visit our Copyrights & Reproductions page.

For high resolution images or assistance contact Andrea Foust 503-370-6867 or at museum-art@willamette.edu.

Images from:
Behind the Beyond: Psychedelic Posters and Fashion in San Francisco, 1966−1971

Stanley Mouse and Alton Kelley, "Skeleton and Roses," September 16−17, 1966, offset lithograph, 20 x 14 inches, FD-26-PP-5, collection of Gary Westford, Salem, Oregon. Photo: Frank Miller. © 1966 Chet Helms DBA Family Dog Productions. All Rights Reserved.

A high resolution image is available upon request by calling 503-370-6867 or by email at museum-art@willamette.edu

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Wes Wilson, "The Sound," September 23−24, 30 and October 1, 1966 (Winterland); September 25 and October 2, 1966 (Fillmore Auditorium), offset lithograph, 24 1/4 x 13 1/4 inches, BG-29-OP-1, collection of Gary Westford, Salem, Oregon. Photo: Dale Peterson. © Bill Graham Archives, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

A high resolution image is available upon request by calling 503-370-6867 or by email at museum-art@willamette.edu

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Stanley Mouse and Alton Kelley, "10th Biennial Wilderness Conference Sponsored by The Sierra Club," April 7−9, 1967, offset lithograph, 20 x 13 3/4 inches, AOR 2. 365, collection of Gary Westford, Salem, Oregon. Photo: Dale Peterson. © Stanley Mouse.

A high resolution image is available upon request by calling 503-370-6867 or by email at museum-art@willamette.edu
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Victor Moscoso, "Swirley," April 14−15, 1967, offset lithograph, 20 x 14 inches, FD 57-RP-2, collection of Gary Westford, Salem, Oregon. Photo: Dale Peterson. © 1967 Chet Helms DBA Family Dog Productions.

A high resolution image is available upon request by calling 503-370-6867 or by email at museum-art@willamette.edu
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Bonnie MacLean, Untitled, June 16−17, 1967, signed by Bonnie MacLean, offset lithograph, 22 x 14 inches, BG-68-OP-1, collection of Gary Westford, Salem, Oregon. Photo: Dale Peterson. © Bill Graham Archives, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

A high resolution image is available upon request by calling 503-370-6867 or by email at museum-art@willamette.edu

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Bob Schnepf, "Flash," September 29-30, 1967, offset lithograph, 20 x 14 inches, FD 84(D-4)RP-2, collection of Gary Westford, Salem, Oregon. Photo: Dale Peterson. © 1967 Chet Helms DBA Family Dog Productions All Rights Reserved.

A high resolution image is available upon request by calling 503-370-6867 or by email at museum-art@willamette.edu
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David Singer, Untitled, July 22−27, 1969, offset lithograph, 21 7/8 x 14 inches, BG-183-OP-1, collection of Gary Westford, Salem, Oregon. Photo: Dale Peterson. © Bill Graham Archives, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

A high resolution image is available upon request by calling 503-370-6867 or by email at museum-art@willamette.edu

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Artist unknown, "A Musical Concert for the Benefit and Welfare of the Widow and Children of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.," April 27, 1968, offset lithograph, 20 x 14 inches, collection of Gary Westford, Salem, Oregon. Photo: Dale Peterson.

A high resolution image is available upon request by calling 503-370-6867 or by email at museum-art@willamette.edu
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Artist unknown, "The Ark, Sausalito Dance Concert," October 6, 1967, offset lithograph, 22 x 16 inches, AOR 2.309, collection of Gary Westford, Salem, Oregon. Photo: Dale Peterson.

A high resolution image is available upon request by calling 503-370-6867 or by email at museum-art@willamette.edu
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Male: Cotton pullover shirt with appliqué flower designs, Farah brand striped pants, peace-symbol necklace, fringed leather jacket, late 1960s, collection of Gary Westford, Salem, Oregon. Photo: Dale Peterson.

A high resolution image is available upon request by calling 503-370-6867 or by email at museum-art@willamette.edu
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Female: Cotton blouse with hand-embroidered flower patterns, Hillbilly brand bell-bottom pants, hand-beaded necklace, fringed leather vest, late 1960s, collection of Gary Westford, Salem, Oregon. Photo: Dale Peterson.

A high resolution image is available upon request by calling 503-370-6867 or by email at museum-art@willamette.edu
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Zebra-pattern Coat Dress (Lilli Ann), 1960s, knit fabric with leather collar and pocket trim, and belt, collection of Gary Westford, Salem, Oregon. Photo: Frank Miller.

A high resolution image is available upon request by calling 503-370-6867 or by email at museum-art@willamette.edu
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Country/Gypsy style paisley-pattern dress (Mr. B’s of San Francisco), late 1960s, rayon, collection of Gary Westford, Salem, Oregon. Photo: Dale Peterson.

A high resolution image is available upon request by calling 503-370-6867 or by email at museum-art@willamette.edu

Images from:
Turned On!: The American Blacklight Poster, 1967-71

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Nancy Parker, “W23 Energy,” 1968, published by Westpac Visual Communications, color screen print, 27 ⅛ x 21 ½ in., collection of Gary Westford, Salem, Oregon. Photo by Dale Peterson.

A high resolution image is available upon request by calling 503-370-6867 or by email at museum-art@willamette.edu

Images from:
The 60s: Pop and Op Art Prints from the Collection of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation

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Andy Warhol (American, 1928-1987), "Campbell's Soup Can (Tomato) (II.4a), unlimited edition." 1966 screenprint on paper shopping bag, 23 7/8 x 17 in., Collection of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation, 2016.132. Photo: Richard Strode/Strode Photographic

A high resolution image is available upon request by calling 503-370-6867 or by email at museum-art@willamette.edu

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Josef Albers (American, born Germany, 1888-1976), Homage to the Square, edition 35/125, 1967, screenprint, 24 1/4 x 24 1/4 in., Collection of Jordan D. Schnitzer, 2006.79d. Photo: Richard Strode/Strode Photographic

A high resolution image is available upon request by calling 503-370-6867 or by email at museum-art@willamette.edu

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Robert Rauschenberg (American, 1925-2008), Signs, edition 44/250, 1970, screenprint, 35 x 26 in., Collection of Jordan D. Schnitzer, 516. Photo: Richard Strode/Strode Photographic

A high resolution image is available upon request by calling 503-370-6867 or by email at museum-art@willamette.edu

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Victor Vasarely (French, born Hungary, 1908-1997), René Descartes, le Discours de la Méthode: Ond, edition 83/138, 1969, silkscreen, 18 1/8 x 15 3/4 in., Collection of Jordan D. Schnitzer, 2013.74v. Photo: Richard Strode/Strode Photographic

A high resolution image is available upon request by calling 503-370-6867 or by email at museum-art@willamette.edu

About the Collectors & Interview Opportunities

Gary Westford
While attending San Francisco State College during the 60s Westford became fascinated by psychedelic posters and fashion. As he witnessed numerous historic protests and the counterculture movement firsthand, he began to collect posters and fashion. 

Westford is an emeritus instructor in art and art history at Linn-Benton Community College. He has also worked as an instructor of painting at Portland Community College, in a prison education program at the Oregon State Penitentiary administered through Chemeketa Community College, as a visiting professor in painting at Linfield College, and as an instructor of visual fundamentals at University of California at Santa Cruz.

Westford's paintings and drawings have been included in 11 solo exhibitions and 25 group exhibitions in the Western United States.

More information about Gary Westford and his collection

• The Power of a Poster
• Living in the Midst of a Movement
• Forming the Collection
• From Collection to Museum
• Preserving The Art of Fashion

Interview opportunity
Interviews can be arranged with Gary Westford by calling 503-370-6867 or by email at museum-art@willamette.edu.

Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation
Jordan purchased his first work of art when he was fourteen years old from the Fountain Gallery, the first contemporary art gallery in Portland, which was owned and operated by his mother Arlene Schnitzer. It was through his mother’s gallery and his parents’ passion for the visual arts that Jordan turned his initial purchase into a lifelong commitment to collect, share, and promote the visual arts. While Jordan furthers his parents’ legacy of supporting local and regional artists, he began to collect prints and multiples in earnest in 1988, attracted by their technical versatility and collaborative process. Over the past twenty years, he has amassed what is arguably the finest print collection in the United States.

Interview opportunity
Interviews can be arranged with Jordan Schnitzer by calling 503-370-6867 or by email at museum-art@willamette.edu.