Tom and Lance, Tacoma's Ambiguous Art Heroes to Speak in Seattle

Next week the Seattle Graphic Artists Guild will host a lunch featuring the Tacoma duo, Beautiful Angle.

BA is the project of writer Tom Llewellyn and designer Lance Kagey, who collaborate on artful posters, which they "illegally" hang up around Tacoma using old fashioned wheat paste. The posters have become very popuplar for their optimistic propaganda printed in beautiful letterpress treatments. You can purchase some from the series via their Web site; prices range from $30 to $500.

Their MO, beloved by many, has always been a bit perplexing to me. One part evangelism, one part activism — the messaging is sometimes poetic, and sometimes just obtuse. That said, many of their posters are fantastic, especially when they focus on wordplay or humor. Check out pig, And and O! O! O! O!.

From a design and marketing perspective, this team is definitely worth watching.

And if you haven't already, you should read our feature story from '07, in which they interviewed each other and listed the Top 10 Worst Things About Tacoma. It's pretty funny.

Details about the luncheon in the press release following the jump.

From the press release:

For over seven years, writer Tom Llewellyn and graphic designer Lance Kagey have handcranked posters through their vintage letterpress to adorn the streets of Tacoma with pithy commentary and compelling visuals. In that time they have learned a thing or two about what it means to be Artist/Illustrator/Writer/Designer in this vibrant, working-class city. One of the lessons learned is how to talk to their community. Tom and Lance come to share some of their stories.

Self promotion, community building, civic activism, and propaganda all seem to relate and become an intriguing topic of discussion over a well-crafted beer. Join in the conversation and learn about how their three secrets of success have impacted a city for good. Well, maybe just two secrets.

Where: Upstairs at Pyramid Alehouse, across from Safeco Field at 1201 1st Ave. S., Seattle (206) 682-3377. FREE parking in front and back. http://www.pyramidbrew.com/alehouses/seattle.php. The restaurant is unable to accept debit/credit cards at the door but we accept cash or check.

When: Wednesday, May 26, 2010, 11:30 AM-2 PM. Networking starts 11:30 AM. Food orders taken promptly at 11:45 AM. Speaker presentation at 12 PM.
How much (lunch included): Pre-paid through Paypal on website: Guild Members and full-time students with I.D.: $25. ASMP and AIGA members $35. Non-members: $40. At-the-door, cash or check only: Guild Members and fulltime-students with I.D.: $32. ASMP and AIGA members-$42. Non-members: $47. Reservations: Must RSVP before NOON on Monday, May 24, 2010 for discount price at http://www.seattleguild.org/  Sorry, no refunds.

Cover art: Tom Llewellyn and Lance Kagey                        

Please note that there is an afternoon Mariner game so arrive early to secure parking.