In order to specially commemorate its 40th anniversary, the Texas Renaissance Festival asked retired artist Real Musgrave, the creator of Pocket Dragons, to draw its poster this year.
Longtime followers of Ren Fest may notice the poster's similarities to the design used in 1982. A retired wizard and a princess sit astride a giant armadillo with the Pocket Dragons walking by their side.
Musgrave, who now lives in Flower Mound, TX, also did the designs for this year's program cover, T-shirts and other collectables that will be on sale during the October/November weekend event in Todd Mission, TX near Pleasantville. And he'll make an appearance during opening weekend, October 11-12 to sign posters and other Renaissance Festival and Pocket Dragon memorabilia that will be on sale inside the festival.
The Texas Renaissance Festival has enjoyed a long partnership with Real Musgrave, and that is why we are honored to bring him back to add to our 40th Anniversary season with his unforgettable art form," said Terre Albert, general manager of the Texas Renaissance Festival, in a press release about the art.
Fun fact: Musgrave used his dog Flower as the model for his Pocket Dragons which were later developed into an animated series. He and his wife, Muff, plan to donate all proceeds to the Humane Society of Flower Mound "Flower's Fund", named in honor of their dog.
"Many people feel they knew our dog, Flower, because they see her sweet, loving, mischievous nature in the bright eyes of all Pocket Dragons. Most of my art derives from the way I believe she viewed the world, her lively expressions and funny moments that I took directly from Flower and her successors," says Musgrave. "I owe my career to her. Muff and I are proud to continue doing something in Flower's memory as we return to the Texas Renaissance Festival to celebrate this monumental occasion."
For more information about the Texas Renaissance Festival visit texrenfest.com.