Graphic Illustration by Brian Barto, Emmaus High School Graduate, Celebrates Festival’s 32^nd Year Aug. 7-16

When Musikfest attendees visit the festival’s website or pick up a Musikfest program book this year, they’ll immediately notice a vibrant work of art highlighting the festival and region’s rich history, as well as its bright future. Created by Emmaus native Brian Barto, the graphic illustration – the official Musikfest 2015 artwork – has its roots in the unique signage found throughout the Lehigh Valley region over decades, while also tying in some of the many elements that make Musikfest so memorable to so many people.

“I’ve always had an affinity for old signage that gains its character from a mix of forms, colors, materials and textures,” Barto says. “Given the history of the Lehigh Valley, and the diversity of the crowds, performers and artists who participate in Musikfest, this work of art really seems like a wonderful way to represent the spirit of that entire amalgamation.”

Residing in West Chester, Pa., Barto is a 1993 graduate of Emmaus High School and 1997 graduate of Kutztown University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication Design. Using his background in graphic design and advertising, Barto brings new life to discarded items and signs, reinterpreting them as regional homages, graphic statements and unique advertising vehicles through a mix of woodworking, painting, illustration and other mediums.  Employing this diverse palette, Barto’s creations span from signage and identities to fixtures and furnishings with clients ranging from international brands to regional restaurants and boutiques.

For more information on Barto and his work, please visit www.whiskeyandchocolate.com.

Barto’s 2015 design for Musikfest marks the first time the festival has commissioned an artist to create its poster artwork since 2005.  The work of  art will be featured on the Musikfest 2015 website, poster and festival mug, while also being incorporated into a variety of other official ‘fest merchandise and apparel throughout the year. Barto will also have an exhibition of his work on display at the Banana Factory arts center in Bethlehem this fall.

The nation’s largest free music festival, Musikfest features more than 500 performances on 14 stages throughout Bethlehem over 10 days. Dates for the 32^nd edition of the festival are Aug. 7-16, 2015. For more information, visit www.musikfest.org or follow the festival at www.facebook.com/Musikfest.