Rex Ray graphic art collection
Finding aid created by GLBT Historical Society staff using RecordEXPRESS
GLBT Historical Society
2023
989 Market Street, Lower Level
San Francisco, California 94103
(415) 777-5455
reference@glbthistory.org
http://www.glbthistory.org/
Title: Rex Ray graphic art collection
Dates: circa 1990-2014
Collection Number: 2017-04
Creator/Collector:
Ray, Rex
Extent: 10 linear feet
Online items available
Repository:
GLBT Historical Society
San Francisco, California 94103
Abstract: Collection contains numerous posters, ephemera, and book covers designed by San Francisco-based queer graphic artist Rex Ray,
(September 11, 1956 – February 9, 2015). Many of the works were designed for Bill Graham Presents, dating from the early 1990s
to 2014. Ray’s poster designs are, in part, documents of the Bay Area music scene, and his book covers for City Lights and
High Risk offer a brief history of LGBTQ+ literature.
Language of Material: English
Collection is open for research.
[Identification of item]. Rex Ray graphic art collection. Collection Number: 2017-04. GLBT Historical Society
Donated by Amy Scholder, January 2017, August 2018. Donated by Griff Williams, June 2018.
Scope and Content of Collection
Collection contains numerous posters and book covers designed by San Francisco-based queer graphic artist Rex Ray, (September
11, 1956 – February 9, 2015). Many of the works were designed for Bill Graham Presents, dating from the early 1990s to 2014.
Ray’s poster designs are, in part, documents of the Bay Area music scene, and his book covers for City Lights and High Risk
offer a brief history of LGBTQ+ literature. Vibrant and accessible (intentionally subversively so), Ray’s art effortlessly
mixes concepts of high and low culture, beauty and postmodern conceptualism. The bulk of the collection was donated by Ray’s
collaborator Amy Scholder and Gallery 16. Also includes: a DVD of the film, Rex Ray: How to Make a Rex Ray, by producer/director
Joshua V. Hassel, ephemera designed by Rex Ray, holiday cards created by Rex Ray, postcards and invitations to Rex Ray shows,
Some Weird Sin and Shift material, and material related to Frameline and the San Francisco International Lesbian and Gay Film
Festival.
GSSO Linked Terms: http://purl.bioontology.org/ontology/MESH/D001154; http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_004300; http://purl.bioontology.org/ontology/MESH/D008091
Art
Music
Literature