Allen J. Shapiro, known to most as A. Jay, was one of the earliest and most prominent US gay illustrators and cartoonists of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. He was a pioneer in the genre, creating the first ongoing gay comic strip ever, called 'The Adventures of Harry Chess: The Man from A.U.N.T.I.E.' Art historian Michael Murphy links Drums decision to publish Shapiro's strip to a key shift in gay publications and gay politics. Al Shapiro was known for his work as the Art Editor of the gay magazine Drummer. Shapiro also gained notoriety for the erotic artwork he created for the infamous Cauldron Club and Slot Bathhouse in San Francisco, in addition to the posters for many other gay bathhouses.

This is one of his earliest known works. It was purchased at his family's estate sale. It was done at the age of 17. 

I have several other pieces of his artwork as a high school junior - senior. He was quite talented.

This piece is titled CHRISTMAS WRAPPING PAPER DESIGN. It is an original 1 of 1 creation created for a 1949 Scholastic Art Exhibit Entry. 

This wonderful work was created from A. Jay's Imagination and ready for the holidays. It has a will sell price of $25 ( in 1949 ) on the back. 

If someone had the printing capability to scan and print rolls of wrapping paper this would make an incredible true vintage look holiday gift wrapping paper.

It is done on artists board and measures 16"x10". Guaranteed authentic original art by the hand of A. Jay. 

A. Jay's Full name was Allen Jonas Shapiro.