05/24/2023
There’s only a few days left to view Celebrating Willie Nelson: A UNT Special Collections Exhibit featuring the Art of Steve Brooks! Don’t miss the opportunity to catch this exhibit before it closes this Saturday, May 27.
Brooks is an alumnus of the University of North Texas who found work in illustration and graphic design. He created art for t-shirts and posters for numerous musicians from the 1970s, including Eric Clapton, The Eagles, Alice Cooper, Pink Floyd, Leon Russell, and Elton John.
Eventually, Steve Brooks worked with Willie Nelson, illustrating several of his promotional materials. His first work for Willie Nelson was the 1973 poster for the Abbott (Texas) Homecoming, a twelve-hour concert where Nelson and other musicians performed for the 375 residents of his hometown.
Through the success of the Abbott poster, Brooks maintained a long working relationship with Nelson throughout the 1970s and 1980s. T-shirts, posters, as well as original artwork, concepts, and sketches from the annual Willie Nelson birthday concerts, 4th of July Picnic events, Farm Aid, and Air Willie materials are included in this exhibit.
Over 70 examples of art by Steve Brooks will be on display, which will showcase t-shirt and poster designs, including some examples of the screen printing process before images are mass-produced for promotional items.
Photo Description: A tour poster style graphic announcing the Celebrating Willie Nelson exhibit at the UNT CoLab featuring an illustration of Willie Nelson and his band by artist Steve Brooks.
