Double Award (Artist's Ephemera)

San Francisco: Self-published, [1981]. Handbill in fine condition, with purple handstamp to verso: "For deposit only to the account of Bruce Conner.. Handbill (3 x 6 inches), printed recto-only to textured paper. On February 5, 1981, Bruce Conner appeared before the American Arbitration Association to seek restitution from the Braunstein/Quay Gallery for failure to pay him for works sold, as well as for damages suffered to consigned works from improper storage. The arbitrator awarded Conner on both counts. Regardless, a few months later, to announce a celebration for the Quay Gallery's twentieth anniversary, Conner was listed in their press release as one of the Gallery's featured artists. To protest this shamelessness, Conner designed this handbill, to be dispersed at the anniversary party by his Assistant, Kristine Stiles, costumed as his emissary in business suit and heels. Thrown-out of the upper floor gallery by Ruth Braunstein herself, Stiles continued her performance on the sidewalk below, reportedly told by more than one departing guest: "You ruined [Ruth's] party.