Companies don’t survive for long without fostering a sense of community. A brand like heritage furniture producer Herman Miller (now part of Miller Knoll) has thrived throughout its century-old existence thanks to the employees and illustrious designers it has kept close. A major part of the American manufacturer’s company culture is the annual Summer potluck picnic it holds on the grounds of its Zeeland, Michigan headquarter.
From 1970 to 1989, in-house graphic designer Steve Frykholm designed unique posters announcing and commemorating the event, often frequented by long-time collaborators including the Eameses and D.J. De Pree. These striking artworks in their own right became highly anticipated keepsakes of the gatherings, including the recently-reissued Watermelon poster. Many of the designs have gone into major collections like that of the MoMA.
