The UAM, in collaboration with the Center for the Study of Political Graphics (CSPG), is currently exhibiting Peace Press Graphics 1967–1987: Art in the Pursuit of Social Change, a survey of the press’ work and their connections to artist collectives of the time. Founded in 1967 by a unique group of L.A. activist-artists who created an “alternate everything” printing and publishing business, the Peace Press (1967-1987) emerged from the tangle of progressive political and alternative groups that flourished during the decades between 1960 and 1990. The poster archive, now housed at the CSPG in Los Angeles, exemplifies an important element of visual and cultural history: art that reflects the desire and intention to create social and political change, as well as artists who attempt to affect change through both their work and their actions.

The exhibition is co-curated by UAM Associate Director Ilee Kaplan and Executive Director of the CSPG Carol Wells, and features over 100 posters from the press' archive and private collections. The posters address issues such as feminism, workers’ rights, civil liberties, anti-nuclear protests, environmental concerns, and anti-war demonstrations by artists who worked with the press, including Robert Crumb, Rupert Garcia, Harry Fonseca, Sheila Levrant de Brettville, and Skip Williamson. In addition, a historical timeline, poetry and spoken word performances by Get Lit, film clips interspersed in the galleries, and a separate film screening series will accompany the artworks to offer audiences a unique opportunity to understand the art of political protest within its larger cultural milieu.

Co-Curator Ilee Kaplan discusses posters from the exhibition.

Dr. Kevin Johnson addresses students in the Carpenter Center.

The Visiting Artist Lecture Series kicked off on Wednesday, September 7 with a presentation about the legal issues and controversies surrounding censorship and First Amendment rights with Dr. Kevin Johnson, Research Director at the CSULB Center for First Amendment Studies. A roundtable discussion followed with participation by Michele Roberge, Director, Carpenter Performing Arts Center; Chris Scoates, Director, CSULB University Art Museum; Catha Paquette, Professor, Art Department; Karen Kleinfelder, Professor, Art Department; and moderated by Chris Miles, Professor, Art Department.

from left to right: Karen Kleinfelder, Catha Paquette, Chris Miles, Chris Scoates, Kevin Johnson, and Michele Roberge.