In celebration of Jerry Garcia's birthday, Jerry Garcia Music Arts has partnered with Ted Harrington and his company, Terrapin Stationers, to rerelease Garcia's acclaimed art book, J.Garcia: Paintings, Drawings and Sketches, originally printed in 1992. While best known globally as the legendary lead vocalist and guitarist for the Grateful Dead, Garcia was equally passionate about visual art, a facet of his creativity that continues to be celebrated in galleries and museums worldwide.
The book includes a deeply personal dedication from Jerry to his wife, Manasha: "For Manasha, with love, Jerry." This connection is reflected in the history of his artistic journey. According to Ted Harrington, "In 1987, while reviewing edits for the So Far video, Jerry shared a whimsical sketch with Manasha. She was amazed by his visual artistry and encouraged him to sign his work. That simple suggestion inspired Jerry to begin signing his art and carrying sketchbooks on every tour from that day forward."
At home, Jerry found a quiet sanctuary in the family art room, where he would paint and draw daily, often joined by Manasha and his daughter, Keelin, for fun drawing sessions. Keelin Garcia recalled, "I loved painting and drawing with my father. It is touching to know his art continues to bring so much joy to others today." Manasha Garcia added, "After a busy concert tour, our home was a sanctuary for Jerry; the studio was a place where he could just relax with his visual art, and an acoustic guitar."
The rerelease of J.Garcia: Paintings, Drawings and Sketches honors this cherished aspect of Garcia's legacy, offering fans and art collectors a deeper look into the mind of a visionary. For those interested in acquiring the book, it is available for purchase on the RetroActv website.
This reissue underscores the enduring impact of Garcia's visual art, providing a new generation with access to a significant piece of his artistic output. It also highlights the ongoing efforts of Jerry Garcia Music Arts and Terrapin Stationers to preserve and promote his multifaceted legacy.
