by Maddie Trier
The State News, MSU, East Lansing, Michigan
January 10, 2005
In a blast from the past, more than 30 concert posters from the late 1960s and '70s hang in colorful combinations on the cold, neutral walls of Creole Gallery, 1218 Turner St., in Lansing.
The posters, created by Lansing artist Dennis Preston, will be at the gallery through Feb. 27.
Robert Busby, owner of Creole Gallery, has known Preston since the 1960s and said he hopes the exhibit will draw attention and inspire future artists.
"People can look at these posters and learn how to create for themselves," Busby said.
The posters at the gallery are original versions from Preston's private prints and collection. They advertise concerts from local bands to wider-known artists, such as Bob Seger, Ted Nugent and Ike and Tina Turner.
Preston said his style was influenced by the music of the '60s and '70s while developing his talent. His first interest in art was piqued in the first grade when he began drawing cartoon characters from television shows he watched.
It took awhile for music to grab Preston's attention.
"I used to hate music," he said. "In the '50s and early '60s I didn't like the three-chord songs".
But after hearing "I Get Around" by the Beach Boys, Preston was hooked, and he even joined a band.
Preston's concert posters began as a way to advertise his own band and local bands such as The Dogs. When Lansing-based groups toured around the state, his artwork went with them, creating a larger audience and interest in his work.
The posters on display are all from Michigan venues, many from Michigan bands. Preston said he expects local residents who remember the '60s and '70s to stop in and see the posters - which are intricate and contain hidden words and images within the larger artwork.
Many of the venues he created art for were well known during those decades, such as Sherwood Forest - which was like a mini-Woodstock, Preston said.
But now Preston earns his living as a full-time commercial artist, and his portfolio includes logos for the Michigan Department of Labor and art for local businesses.
Preston said his interest in artwork for musicians has not dwindled since the '60s, and he still creates the occasional CD cover or poster for groups, although his rates are usually too high for most local bands.
The decline in Preston's artwork in the musical world is an unfortunate occurrence, said Aaron Campbell, a 16-year-old Lansing resident. Campbell has an interest in art and frequently tours the local galleries on weekends.
Sunday was the first time Campbell had seen Preston's work, but it made an impression on him, he said.
"They should bring posters like these back - they're awesome," he said. "I've never seen anything like this before."
