Micael Priest

Micael Priest was born in 1951 and was the de facto organizer of the AWHQ Art Squad and its most prolific member.  His fellow artists called him ‘the godfather of poster art.”  Some of his posters are the most iconic and important of the entire Armadillo era, including his poster for Willie Nelson’s landmark 1972 career-changing appearance at the Armadillo.  He also drew the venue’s final show on New Year’s Eve 1980 with Commander Cody and Asleep at the Wheel.

Micael  moved to Austin in 1969 and, three years later, was commissioned by Armadillo owner Eddie Wilson to begin creating posters for the venue.  Among the acts Priest posterized were the Pointer Sisters, Ramones, Frank Zappa, Commander Cody, and New Riders of the Purple Sage.

In addition to his impactful work in the Austin poster art and music scenes, Micael contributed to a number of game projects in collaboration with Origin Systems and had art credits on a number of the studio’s most influential games, including Ultima VII, Ultima VIII, and Ultima Online.

Micael Priest was a true Austin original.  Interest in his art endures, with original copies of his posters continuing to net hundreds of dollars online.  Said Kerry Awn,”He was an Artist, capital A.”  Micael passed away on September 11, 2018.  Perhaps the most amazing aspect of a truly amazing life:  Micael was colorblind.