about

Louis Bixenman’s education in original posters began 20 years ago at Poster America, a pioneer New York gallery focusing exclusively on original posters. Jack Banning, the owner of Poster America at the time, mentored Mr Bixenman, generously sharing his knowledge and his expertise. Mr Bixenman was introduced to other early enthusiasts of original posters – including dealers, collectors, and curators of both private and public collections – both in the United States and throughout Europe. They all shared generously of their expertise. This learning has continued through the maintenance of the friendship with these important sources who continue to be an important source of knowledge, and through continual reading and research.

In 1989, Mr Bixenman’s enthusiasm led to the founding of the International Vintage Poster Fairs. As the founding director and producer, Mr Bixenman built these Fairs into an important venue for exhibitors from Europe, Asia, and North America to showcase their collections. The Poster Fairs became highly-anticipated annual events in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, with other Fairs produced over the years in Miami Beach, Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, Seattle, and London. Today they are one of the most important global events in the original poster industry.

In 1996, Mr Bixenman initiated a discussion among international poster dealers at his Poster America gallery in New York. The goal was to develop an international trade organization to facilitate communication among the dealers in what was becoming an increasing popular collecting field, with many new buyers entering the field of original posters because of their intrinsic beauty and because manyviewed them as undervalued. The result of these discussions initiated by Mr Bixenman was the International Vintage Poster Dealers Association, Inc, (IVPDA) an umbrella organization international in scope which has become an important forum for dealers and the public alike. Not only was Mr Bixenman a founding member of the IVPDA, but he was the Secretary of the organization from 2000-2004.

There is no one more qualified to appraise original advertising posters, from Cheret to Picasso. And, because of their natural affinity, Mr Bixenman’s growing expertise in modern and contemporary prints is also not to be underestimated.

We look forward to your inquiries.