About the Artist
Lanny Sommese was an influential American graphic designer renowned for his innovative approach to poster art, particularly in the realms of cultural events, education, and civic engagement. Throughout the late twentieth century, Sommese played a vital role in sustaining the tradition of poster design as a powerful medium for public communication, even as digital media began to emerge.
His work is distinguished by clever visual metaphors and a mastery of modernist principles, making his posters memorable for both their wit and clarity. Collectors and design enthusiasts appreciate Sommese for his ability to distill complex ideas into striking, accessible visuals, as seen in many vintage advertising posters from this era.
The Artwork
This Hodie School of Music Christmas concert poster, created in 1980, reflects the enduring tradition of using graphic design to promote seasonal performances within local communities. Such posters were essential tools for inviting audiences and fostering a sense of anticipation, often displayed in public spaces to transform everyday environments into showcases for creativity.
By connecting holiday imagery with musical themes, the poster captures the spirit of the event while highlighting the thoughtful planning behind community concerts. For those interested in music themed posters, it stands as a testament to the role of design in shaping cultural memory and local celebration.
Style & Characteristics
The poster features a stylized reindeer at its center, with antlers ingeniously rendered as treble clefs, seamlessly blending festive and musical motifs. The color palette is dominated by a soft, cool blue, evoking a serene winter atmosphere that is both inviting and understated.
Sommese employs crisp lines and minimalistic forms, resulting in a composition that is visually striking from a distance yet rich in detail upon closer inspection. The overall effect is one of graphic elegance, making it a standout example among blue tone wall art and modernist poster design.
In Interior Design
This vintage concert poster lends a sophisticated, seasonal touch to music rooms, studios, hallways, or living spaces, especially where subtle holiday decor is preferred. Its cool blue hues complement white walls, light woods, and contemporary furnishings, making it well-suited to modern or Scandinavian interiors.
It also integrates beautifully into gallery walls alongside other graphic prints, concert memorabilia, or animal-themed art. Placing it near a piano or music collection allows the clever musical motif to become a conversation piece within the room.
