Milwaukee's Real Tinsel Gallery presents "Gig's Up: 50 Years of Punk Poster Art," a show collecting five decades of punk and DIY poster art from the local music scene. Curated by Dave Luhrssen, Clancy Carroll, Paul Host, and Tim Noble, the exhibition draws from Carroll's personal collection and contributions from other collectors and artists, featuring works by Eric Von Munz, John Hill, and others. The show includes a hardcover catalog and is accompanied by panel discussions and performances, running through December.
The exhibition matters because it elevates a traditionally disposable art form—punk posters stapled to poles or pinned to bulletin boards—into a curated historical record, preserving Milwaukee's underground music and visual culture. By spanning 50 years, it highlights the evolution of DIY design and screen-printing techniques while honoring local bands and artists who shaped the scene. The show also fosters community engagement through events like the "DIY Art and the Dada Spirit" panel, reinforcing the role of grassroots art in documenting and celebrating local history.