Graphic artist Bob Thomas is probably best known for his work for the Grateful Dead -- he designed both their trademark lightning bolt skull logo and the ubiquitous dancing bears. What you might not know of is his long association with the Renaissance Faire. Thomas was an accomplished piper and he and his band, the Golden Toad, played at the Marin Renaissance Faire for years. They also opened for the Dead on a number of occasions. What came as a surprise to me was that Buffalo's ex, Don Brown (of the famed Teahouse of the Mullah Nasrudin's Donkey at the renfaire), was their drummer. It wasn't until I googled last week and stumbled upon old photos of the band that I realized this. Here's a bit of lost Dead lore about the Golden Toad.
The reason I bring up Bob Thomas here is because Buffalo commissioned a sign from him years ago. She still uses it as her fair sign. It's a bit weathered now, but I think that gives it character. Bob was supposed to paint both sides of the sign but he never finished the back. As a result, people would approach Buffalo at the fair to ask "what's an uffalo at?" Here's what remains of the art on the backside:
The reason I bring up Bob Thomas here is because Buffalo commissioned a sign from him years ago. She still uses it as her fair sign. It's a bit weathered now, but I think that gives it character. Bob was supposed to paint both sides of the sign but he never finished the back. As a result, people would approach Buffalo at the fair to ask "what's an uffalo at?" Here's what remains of the art on the backside:
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