I’m like Vaughn Bodé, I’m a Cheech Wizard, Never quittin’, So won’t you listen. – Beastie Boys, “Sure Shot”
The enduring influence of the late Vaughn Bodé is the subject of a fascinating exhibition at Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery opening Saturday, December 12. The Cheech Wizard Show celebrates the store’s 9th anniversary and the debut of Cheech Wizard’s Book of Me, the most comprehensive volume to date of this amazing American artist. Special guest Mark Bodé will appear to present this important publication.
Vaughn Bodé’s mystical motifs became ubiquitous in the underground comix and science fiction scenes of the 1960s and 70s. His signature characters were later adopted by seminal graffiti artists and have since inspired generations of street artists. The Cheech Wizard Show will celebrate the legacy of Bodé with several of his original works as well as tributes by a dozen artists. Mark Bodé will be joined by muralist Specs Wizard, whose work adorns the entrance to Seattle’s Legacy of Hip Hop exhibition currently on display at the Museum of History and Industry (as seen above). Also featured are pieces by Augie Pagan, Michael Leavitt, Ed Piskor, Mike Baehr, Marc Palm, Mike Poetzel, Brian Haughton, James Stanton, John Ohannesian, and Hector Tellez.
Mark your social calendars for Saturday, December 12 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery is located at 1201 S. Vale Street in the heart of Seattle’s historic Georgetown arts community. Open daily 11:30 to 8:00 PM, Sundays until 5:00 PM. Phone 206.658.0110.