Media Credit: Dennis Loren

If you ever wondered what it takes to create those posters you see at every concert you’ve ever been to, wonder no more! American Artifact: The Rise of American Rock Poster Art, a documentary that traces the history of the DIY poster art movement from the 1950s to the present day, will premiere at the Gene Siskel Film Center on Saturday, Jan. 30, at 8 p.m.

After the Saturday evening screening, the theater will host a Q&A session with American Artifact’s director Merle Becker and the Chicago poster artists who were featured in the film: Jay Ryan who most recently created the Jesus Lizard’s NYE show poster; Mat Daly who has done posters for such bands as Caifone, Decemberists and Andrew Bird; Steve Walters who has created posters for Schubas, Double Door and the legendary Lounge Ax; and Phish poster artist Jim Pollock.

Tickets are $10 for general audiences; $7 for students; $5 for SAIC students, faculty and staff, and film center members.

Check out the trailer for American Artifact here:

Can’t make the premiere? American Artifact will play all week long starting Friday, Jan. 29.

Show Times:
Friday, Jan. 29 – 6:15 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 30 - 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. (Premiere)
Sunday, Jan. 31 – 3:00 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 1 - 7:45 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 3 – 7:45 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 4 – 6:00 p.m.

The Lincoln Park multi-media center will premiere a unique documentary on the festival featuring performances by Sonic Youth, Mogwai, Iggy Pop and the Stooges, Shellac, Les Savy Fav, and Portishead to name a few.

The documentary All Tomorrow’s Parties was compiled from footage taped by over 200 festival attendees on everything from traditional cameras to cell phones throughout the UK festival’s 10-year run. The film was co-directed by Jonathan Caouette and even features footage shot by famed music video director Lance Bangs.

Facets describes the rock documentary as a one-of-a-kind experience:

All Tomorrow’s Parties captures the experience from the perspective of fan, artist, and curator alike, celebrating the uncompromising vitality of this unique festival experience.

Tickets are $9 for general admission and the film begins at 11:30 PM.

Check out the trailer for All Tomorrow’s Parties and judge for yourself: