Congo Square Poster Appraisal

1989 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Congo Square Poster

This is an official 1989 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival commemorative poster, specifically highlighting 'Congo Square.' The artwork features a vibrant, neo-expressionist design with a central blue stylized mask-like face. Various musical and cultural motifs are incorporated, including an African kora (stringed instrument) forming the letter 'N' in 'Congo' and a djembe drum forming the letter 'U' in 'Square.' The layout is dynamic, set against a solid black background with bright primary and secondary colors like red, yellow, and teal. At the bottom, a graphic signature appears to be that of the artist, Richard Thomas. The piece is professionally matted with a deep blue decorative border and housed in a large, gold-finished rectangular frame with a classic profile. The condition appears sound, though there is significant glare on the protective glass making it difficult to assess the paper's surface for foxing or uv-fading. The frame shows minor surface dust. This particular poster series is highly collectible, marking the 20th anniversary of the New Orleans Jazz Fest. The imagery celebrates the African roots of New Orleans music through a bold, graphic 1980s aesthetic.