KEEN x Jerry Garcia
We love original soles. And it doesn't get much more original than Jerry Garcia.
Legendary guitarist, ‘60s rock icon, reluctant front man for the Grateful Dead, one of the most impactful bands of the counterculture movement. Jerry was best known for his supernatural skills of musical improvisation, and the indelible bonds he created with his fans. He passed away in 1995 but his incomparable spirit and ethos of contributing to positive change continue to inspire.
He made live music as a shared experience — one created with his audience, not for it. We share his belief in the power of togetherness, and see him as something of a kindred spirit — just like us, he gave his energy to the pursuit of community, freedom, equality, and fun. (Also, we’ve been known to jam out when the moment is right.)
We’re excited to partner with Jerry Garcia’s family to celebrate the artistic legacy he left to the world. Our limited edition KEEN x Garcia collection pays tribute to a very special man — for a very special cause that was close to his heart: helping protect the Tongass rainforest in Alaska.
THE MAN AND HIS ART
Most people know Jerry Garcia as a virtuosic guitarist. But not as many know about his lifelong love of painting. He attended San Francisco Art Institute and devoted himself to painting in between tours, even though he never considered his visual art something that should “be taken seriously.” So he probably wouldn't mind that we put his art on sandals, bags, and face masks. For the KEEN x Garcia collection, we chose a few of his paintings, including “New York at Night” and “Banyan Tree,” because of the vibrancy of colors and patterns that capture Jerry's spirit.
"New York at Night," by Jerry Garcia
"Banyan Tree," by Jerry Garcia
Limited Edition Collection
All the products in the KEEN x Garcia collection are stamped with the Jerry Garcia handprint mark (hardcore fans know he was famously missing part of a finger on his right hand, making his handprint an unmistakable signature). KEEN x Garcia shoes are delivered in shoe boxes adorned with his drawings.
UNEEK x Garcia Sneaker Sandals
Saying Jerry was unique is an understatement. Saying our UNEEK hybrid sneaker sandals are unique is just true. Bring them together, and it’s a look that dances to the beat of its own drum.
Newport H2 x Garcia Hybrid Sandals
Jerry loved to create music not just for his fans, but with his fans. That’s the way we think about design too. It’s how we created our original hybrid sandal, the Newport.
Howser x Garcia Slip-Ons
The icon of original (Jerry) is the perfect fit for the original hybrid "thing" (Howser). KEEN comfort that feet love on the inside. Limited-edition Garcia artwork on the outside.
Elsa Lite x Garcia Sneakers
As a musician, artist, environmentalist, and community uniter, Jerry brought a lot of light to the world. Elsa Lite takes our fan-fave canvas sneaker, and makes things lighter, too — in feel and footprint.
Yogui x Garcia Hybrid Clogs
Have you ever slipped your foot into the Yogui? It's a favorite après shoe around here. Unless you are sitting in a hammock listening to Jerry's music ... then it's definitely the perfect "doing" shoe.
KEEN x Garcia Bags
The KEEN x Garcia bag collection features three unique designs, all limited to an edition of 500. Inside the bags you’ll find a woven label with your bag’s individual edition number, making it a collectible work of wearable art.
KEEN x Garcia Masks
Life is art. Love is life. Wearing face coverings is love for all. Featuring Jerry's art, these washable, reusable face masks are like a bear hug to the world.
STEPPING UP FOR A BETTER WORLD
Although Jerry never considered himself political, the humanitarian and environmentalist actively supported rainforest conservation and coral reef preservation — and took action when he felt that enough wasn't being done.
"Somebody has to do something, and it's just incredibly pathetic that it has to be us," he once said about the band's involvement in environmental issues.
We think it's more important than ever to take action. That's we're donating 1% of proceeds to The Wilderness Society to protect the Tongass rainforest of Alaska — the largest temperate rainforest in the world. We hope the shoes, bags, and masks in the KEEN x Garcia collection bring some art into your everyday life while making a positive impact on the planet.
KEEN x Garcia Collection
