04 CONNECTIONS MICA Acquires Historic Globe Poster Collection Materials Preserve Legacy While Providing Learning Opportunities for Students (left to right) A classic reprint <strong>of</strong> the poster from a Miles Davis concert in Baltimore (courtesy Globe Poster Printing Corporation); Bob Cicero (left) gives the spring <strong>2011</strong> letterpress class (pictured: student Nate Cubeta and faculty member Mary Mashburn) a crash course in poster lockup; finished poster from Lincoln Center’s Out <strong>of</strong> Doors free festival (<strong>2011</strong>). Globe Poster PrintinG CorPoration, historically one <strong>of</strong> the nation’s largest showcard printers, has been telling the story <strong>of</strong> American music and entertainment through bright and iconic posters since 1929. Globe began by printing posters for vaudeville acts, movie theaters, drag races, burlesque houses, and carnivals and became known for its work with R&B, soul, and jazz performers—including James Brown, B.B. King, Otis Redding, Ike and Tina Turner, Billie Holiday, and Solomon Burke—as well as gospel, rock, hip hop, funk, and go-go acts. When Globe Poster closed its doors in late 2010, owners and brothers Bob and Frank Cicero hoped to keep the collection in Baltimore. Welcoming the opportunity to maintain a local legend’s collection and an important piece <strong>of</strong> entertainment history, MICA acquired more than 75 percent <strong>of</strong> the Globe collection <strong>of</strong> wood type, images, and illustration cuts employed for letterpress and screen printing. The acquisition strengthens a relationship developed with Globe over recent years through letterpress class visits, a graduate student thesis, and other student projects. Bob and Frank worked with their father, Joseph Sr., and brother, Joe, since they acquired the shop from its previous owner, Norman Shapiro, in 1975. “My father would be pleased Globe is staying here,” Bob said. “It’s part <strong>of</strong> this city’s heritage and shows Baltimore’s contributions to music and entertainment.” Big, bold, fat type, DayGlo colors, and distinctive lettering were hallmarks <strong>of</strong> the Globe style. The company’s unrivaled archive includes letterpress wood type, printing cuts and images, sketches and mockups, and original posters. Globe’s sturdy wood and metal type and cuts have survived decades <strong>of</strong> use, outliving the hands that created them and many <strong>of</strong> the musicians they popularized. While preserving the legacy <strong>of</strong> these historic assets, MICA is also using items in the collection as academic and research resources. Through this acquisition, young artists and designers have the opportunity to learn first-hand traditional printing practices and the Globe style, even as they explore contemporary methods in the digital age. The materials are being utilized in classes and workshops by several graduate and undergraduate departments within the <strong>College</strong>, including printmaking, graphic design, and illustration. “Globe is a national treasure and a unique part <strong>of</strong> Baltimore’s cultural history. MICA is thrilled to be able to bring this extraordinary collection onto its campus and allow its legacy to live on through the eyes and hands <strong>of</strong> the many artists, designers, and scholars who will benefit from its continuing to serve as an active, working press,” MICA Provost Ray Allen said. “The integration <strong>of</strong> Globe will distinguish MICA among its peers nationally and make Baltimore a special destination for those with a special interest in hand letterpress work.” Allison Fisher, who graduated in the spring and now works as a letterpress printer at Gilah Press + Design, was a student leader in bringing the collection to MICA and is learning Globe’s style first-hand from Bob. Fisher explained, “I love letterpress, and I got involved in this project because it meant preserving the collection for future generations to see in its magnificent glory.” Story continues on page 6.
Students display ampersands while sorting Globe pieces. CONNECTIONS 05
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