Ray (Rex) Graphic Art Collection, circa 1990-2014

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Title:: Rex Ray graphic art collection
Dates:: circa 1990-2014
Creators:: Ray, Rex
Abstract:
Extent:: 10 linear feet
Language:
Preferred citation:: Rex Ray graphic art collection. GLBT Historical Society

Scope and content:: 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
Acquisition information:: Donated by Amy Scholder, January 2017, August 2018. Donated by Griff Williams, June 2018.

Collection Guide Author:: Finding aid created by GLBT Historical Society staff.
Date Prepared:: circa 1990-2014
Date Encoded:: This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:54 p.m.

Preferred citation:: Rex Ray graphic art collection. GLBT Historical Society

Location of this collection:: GLBT Historical Society

989 Market Street, Lower Level

San Francisco, CA 94103, US