Live Oak Music Festival has unveiled official artwork celebrating its 37th annual event. This year’s design, by local artist Clayton Vaughn Benge, places the distinct figure cut by Live Oak emcee Joe Craven against the background of the idyllic natural landscape of the El Chorro Valley.
Each year, a local artist is invited to create a poster that is meaningful to the history, mission, or spirit of Live Oak. The decision to feature Joe Craven originated with input from KCBX Central Coast Public Radio office manager Claire Flaherty and development associate Greg Perry.
“As our front man, who is himself a musician, an amazing communicator, and just a wonderful soul, he represents the Live Oak experience better than anyone,” Perry says about Craven. The poster’s main message is that of welcoming and inclusion as Craven spreads his arms wide against a backdrop of Central Coast native flora, fauna, and natural features.
Benge also designed the 2024 artwork for the festival. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working on this project for the second consecutive year and am thrilled with the positive reception it has received so far,” he says.
The artist, based in San Luis Obispo County, brings more than a decade of design experience to the table. Beyond his design expertise, he is deeply immersed in the worlds of music, film, and art, where his passion for creativity fuels everything he does.
More information about the 37th annual Live Oak Music Festival is available on the event’s website.