bonnie maclean was an American artist and prominent figure in the 1960s counterculture movement. She was born on March 6, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and grew up in the suburbs of Baltimore. After studying at the Maryland Institute College of Art, she moved to New York City in 1962 to pursue a career in art.
In New York, Bonnie met Bill Graham, who was just starting out as a rock promoter. Bill was impressed by Bonnie’s artistic talent and asked her to design posters for his new venture, the Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco. Bonnie’s posters quickly became iconic symbols of the vibrant San Francisco music scene, featuring intricate lettering, bright colors, and psychedelic imagery.
Bonnie’s posters featured many of the biggest names in music, including the Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin. Her designs were so popular that they often sold out within hours of being printed. In addition to her poster art, Bonnie also designed album covers for bands such as Santana and The Allman Brothers.
Despite her success, Bonnie remained humble and grounded throughout her career. She was known for her warm and welcoming personality, and was loved by everyone who knew her. She continued to work as an artist until her death on February 4, 2020, at the age of 80.
Today, Bonnie MacLean’s posters are highly sought after by collectors and are considered some of the most iconic images of the counterculture era. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists, musicians, and fans who continue to embrace the spirit of the 1960s.
