| Formation | 1989 |
|---|---|
| Dissolved | 1991 |
| Purpose | Artscene |
| Location | |
Origin | San Jose, California |
Founders | Zyphril Chips Ahoy[citation needed] |
Aces of ANSI Art (abbreviated as <A.A.A>)[1] was the first group of artists specifically organized for the purposes of creating and distributing ANSI art.[2] The group was founded and operated by two BBS enthusiasts from California, "Zyphril" and "Chips Ahoy", from 1989 through 1991.
The group was initially formed in 1989[1] during the BBS era, but soon after the group's founding, ANSI art groups took on a life of their own, growing increasingly popular and spawning what would come to be known as the "artscene."[2] ANSI art, which initially began as a method for bulletin board sysops to draw users to their boards, but with the emergence of organized groups, the artscene became associated with "underground" culture, such as warez boards.[2]
In 1990, a schism occurred when a small but influential group of members left the group to form ACiD Productions.[2] ACiD (ANSI Creators In Demand) grew to become the first international artscene group.[3]