Steven Heller Recalls Art Directing Evergreen Review in 1973
In 1973, at just 24 years old, Steven Heller was brought on by The New York Times and subsequently took on the role of art director for Evergreen Review, following a recommendation from Ken Deardorf. Originally a literary journal, Evergreen Review evolved into a vibrant full-color magazine under the auspices of Grove Press, founded by Barney Rosset, which had encountered obscenity challenges during the 1960s. By the time Heller joined, financial difficulties had forced Evergreen Review into a paperback format, and Grove Press was on the brink of bankruptcy. Heller produced two paperbacks and one newsprint tabloid while uncovering classic artworks. He recently rediscovered his inaugural issue as art director, showcasing his typography alongside illustrations from friends. The magazine lasted less than a year before ceasing publication.
Key facts
- In 1973, Steven Heller was art director for Screw, Mobster Times, Broadside, Smut, and Evergreen Review.
- Ken Deardorf recommended Heller as his replacement at Evergreen Review after seeing his portfolio six years earlier.
- Ken Deardorf has died; his archive is housed at the School of Visual Arts.
- Evergreen Review was the flagship of Grove Press, founded by Barney Rosset as a banned book imprint.
- During the 1960s, Evergreen Review faced strict obscenity and sedition decrees.
- By 1973, Evergreen Review was reduced to a paperback format and Grove Press was nearing bankruptcy.
- Heller produced two of three paperbacks and one newsprint tabloid for Evergreen Review.
- Heller worked alone in the former East 11th Street Grove Press art department, assigning illustrations and doing paste-ups.
- Heller recently found his first published issue as art director, featuring a logo by Deardorf and illustrations by Brad Holland, Philippe Weisbecker, Wendell Minor, and Micheal Kanerek, with a cover by Susan Wainer.
- Evergreen Review never achieved its promised quarterly schedule and ceased publication after less than a year under Heller.
Entities
Artists
- Steven Heller
- Ken Deardorf
- Barney Rosset
- Brad Holland
- Philippe Weisbecker
- Wendell Minor
- Micheal Kanerek
- Susan Wainer
Institutions
- The New York Times
- Screw
- Mobster Times
- Broadside
- Smut
- Evergreen Review
- Grove Press
- School of Visual Arts
- PRINT Magazine
Locations
- East 11th Street
- New York City
- United States