- Musikfest has released its poster for the 2024 festival
- It was created by Banana Factory's resident artist and teacher, Lauren Beck
- The art will appear on all platforms, including ArtsQuest websites. It also will be used for the official festival 2024 mug and other official festival merchandise
BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Musikfest is over just three months passed(or less than nine months away, depending on your perspective), but the Bethlehem music festival already has released its poster for 2024.
The picture features constellations depicting instruments and objects "near and dear to Musikfest," with the "painted sky expanding into a large tapestry and a bright moon in the center," ArtsQuest says in a release.
Musikfest, which bills itself as the largest free music festival in the United States, is scheduled for Aug. 2-11 next year, with a preview night Thursday, Aug. 1.
Over the next few weeks, the Musikfest poster will appear on all platforms, including ArtsQuest websites. It will be used for the official festival 2024 poster and mug, as well as incorporated into other official festival merchandise and apparel throughout the year.
"When I watch bands play, I enjoy feeling connected to the world around me in a transcendent way. Often, these special moments have been at outdoor concerts and festivals, when the energy of the crowd and the sound of the band gave me a deep sense of comforting calm, connecting me to the present moment."Banana Factory resident artist and teacher Lauren Beck
It was illustrated by Banana Factory's resident artist and teacher, Lauren Beck.
"In imagining the poster design, I tapped into my deep love for experiencing live music at festivals and concerts," Beck said in the release.
"When I watch bands play, I enjoy feeling connected to the world around me in a transcendent way. Often, these special moments have been at outdoor concerts and festivals, when the energy of the crowd and the sound of the band gave me a deep sense of comforting calm, connecting me to the present moment."
'Tells the story of Musikfest in the stars'
ArtsQuest Chief Executive Officer Kassie Hilgert said, "we are thrilled to have a resident artist and teacher from Banana Factory create the poster for this year's Musikfest.
"Lauren Beck has done a phenomenal job of including many special Musikfest elements, highlighting the beautiful night sky with constellations of musical instruments, the traditional Musikfest mug, and even Artie the Owl."ArtsQuest Chief Executive Officer Kassie Hilgert
"Lauren Beck has done a phenomenal job of including many special Musikfest elements, highlighting the beautiful night sky with constellations of musical instruments, the traditional Musikfest mug, and even Artie the Owl.
"She uniquely unites both the Moravian Historic District and the festival's SouthSide Arts District and shows how Musikfest transforms during the night."
Beck lives and works in Allentown and is a lettering artist and illustrator for Ren & Ink LLC. A Kutztown University graduate, Beck regularly teaches in-person workshops, after-school programs, and summer camps with ArtsQuest and other studios throughout the Lehigh Valley.
The Musikfest poster "shows my idea of illustrating a story in the sky, which further connects humans to the universe, as many cultures have done in the past," Beck said.
"I think of humans throughout history assigning meaning to constellations, conveying stories that explain the many mysteries of the universe. This poster tells the story of Musikfest in the stars, but I love to wonder what others might see when they gaze at their own night sky."
Beck will deliver a free workshop related to the Musikfest 2024 poster at the Second Festive Pop-Up Market on Dec. 10. Beck's work also can be seen in her artist-in-residence studio at Banana Factory No. 340.
