Alida and I met 17 years ago in New York City and have kept our friendship over the years and as we each switched coasts. Along the way, she met and married John. John brings his creative artistic talents; Alida her savvy relationship skills and marketing talents; together a force of creative nature.

John has created many memorable images including The Endless Summer movie poster; album covers for the Beatles, Stones Jefferson Airplane, KISS, Blondie and Grateful Dead; the classic Jimi Hendrix concert poster; Johnny Face; the St Mark’s series with Mickey Mouse; Pinnacle Indian. For me, his artwork ranges from bright silkscreened images to iconography to monochromatic drawings. In all cases, having a sure hand on layout, focus, subject, color, proportion…all qualities that are found in a skilled craftsman; with images of emotion, feeling, depth, completeness and originality that are found in a true artist. If you like Keith Haring, KAWS, or Shepard Fairey, then you will likely appreciate Van Hamersveld.

Now in Vegas, John and Alida have the opportunity to bring his art to a broad audience. I am particularly excited about the canopy movie debut, Signs of Life. John has created a movie that is projected from the Viva Vision canopy above Fremont Street in Vegas. Two custom-painted vintage school buses flank the street while John’s iconic images and recognizable style are animated 90 feet high and five blocks long. The visual engages you; sweeping you down the street and back to 1969. Video here.

To round out the Summer of ‘69 experience and bring John’s art into your own home is Hippie Nation Gallery & Records. Hippie is an art gallery located right at the Fremont Street Experience that will sell custom John Van Hamersveld posters, digital prints, original drawings and hand pulled silk screens, in addition to record albums. Do it this summer because the show ends Labor Day! More info at Vegas Experience.