Throughout the psychedelic music era, Stanley Mouse and Alton Kelley were two of the most popular concert poster artists, collaborating on some of the most creative, inspiring posters. They melded and complemented each other’s styles to produce unique, vivacious artwork for the musicians who dominated the scene.

Mouse produced sophisticated art on many album covers and concert posters, embodying pop-art style and Art Nouveau. He created concert posters for the Fillmore Auditorium and the Avalon Ballroom, which have become highly sought-after collectibles not just for music fans but for art fans too.

Kelley created sophisticated collages that have graced many album covers and concert posters. He was raised in Connecticut where his father worked for Chance Vought, building the Corsair navy fighter plane. During childhood his mother encouraged his drawing, but his real passion was for cars, specifically hot rods and the art of pin striping.

Once Kelley and Mouse met, their work became more dynamic, clever, and spontaneous. Mouse and Kelley, along with Wes Wilson, Rick Griffin, and Victor Moscoso became known as “The Big Five.”

From 1966 to 1969 they created over 150 posters for concerts at the Avalon Ballroom and the Fillmore. They combined vibrant 1960s color with French poster style along with their own adapted technique, creating posters for Jimi Hendrix, Big Brother and the Holding Company, The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, and Quicksilver Messenger Service.

Mouse and Kelley looked through art books and magazines at local libraries and started their collaborations, inspired by commercial and pop art as well as nostalgic Americana imagery. Kelley would select photos and assemble collages while Mouse lettered and worked on technical details – utilizing the best of both artists’ talents.

Some of their imagery, such as the Grateful Dead skeleton and roses, are lasting symbols of the time period. That poster is among the most desirable for fans of the Grateful Dead and those that collect Mouse and Kelley collaborations.

Interested collectors now have the opportunity to buy the skeleton and roses concert poster in Hake’s Auction #228. The 1966 Grateful Dead poster they are offering is an original first printing with “The Bindweed Press San Francisco” visible above the ticket strip. Known as FD-26 from the Family Dog series, the poster promotes their concert at the Avalon Ballroom in San Francisco. The poster was signed in pencil by Mouse, who added his iconic running mouse sketch at the lower right. This poster, as well as the full auction, is open for bids now through November 6-7, 2019 at hakes.com.

To learn more about Mouse and Kelley, pick up a copy of The Overstreet Guide to Collecting Concert Posters at gemstonepub.com.