photo © Jay Blakesberg / Retro Photo Archive

Haight Street Art Center has launched an exhibition showcasing a substantial collection of Jerry Garcia’s art, including paintings, watercolors, and drawings. The late Grateful Dead guitarist’s expressive craft translates to 40 examples of original work, which will be on display through Sept. 29. To mark the occasion, Haight Street Art Center will host a Jerry Celebration Party on Thursday, Sept. 12.

The impending event invites Garcia fans and the Bay Area art community to experience the creative’s never-before-seen collection of original work while enjoying complimentary offerings of live Grateful Dead music performed by pianist Scott Guberman. Adding to the historic atmosphere, the San Francisco jamband’s chief historian and author (Long Strange Trip), Dennis McNally, will speak. 

The Jerry Celebration Party also offers attendees the unique opportunity to purchase limited-edition Garcia watercolor reproductions and merchandise, such as blotter art “Jerry in Egypt.” A silent auction will support the Haight Street Art Center and include original Grateful Dead photographer Herb Greene’s limited-edition folios and a portrait signed by Bobby Weir. Also featured is a photo by Jay Blakesberg, who will offer one of his artistic captures of Garica during the roup.

Formally titled A Brush With Jerry: Paintings, Watercolors, and Drawings by Jerome J. Garcia, the exhibit will provide viewers the opportunity to meditate on the artist’s creativity has been cast across the art center’s walls, totaling 40 examples of original pieces produced by Garcia during the last decade of his life. Considered a “visual manifestation of his music,” via press release, the gallery welcomes fans of Garcia and art, in general, to tap into a deeper side of the artist’s creative output. 

Members of Haight Street Art Center gain free access to the event. Tickets can be purchased here. Haight Street Art Center is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt educational organization. For more information, click here.