Get Involved

The ST staff cordially invites you to participate in two upcoming events. For those who work their mojo with vehicle wraps – and handpainted and cut-vinyl graphics as well – the deadline for ST’s 9th Annual Vehicle Graphics Contest is fast approaching. In fact, it’s next Wednesday, September 9. Whether you decorate commercial vehicles, food trucks, boats or even adorn off-the-wall rides, such as dune buggies or art cars, there’s a place for you! The entry fee is only $10 apiece, or $75 for “all you can enter” (maximum 30 entries). To access the entry form, click here: http://www.signweb.com/form/2015-vehicle-graphics-contest-entry-form
And, for those who practice traditional signmaking techniques – or those who simply enjoy and appreciate them – the American Sign Museum will host a meet that celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Letterhead movement. The Letterheads comprise a loose affiliation of signmakers who freely demonstrate handcrafted-sign production techniques to anyone who’s interested, regardless of skill level. This event reportedly represents the first international meet the Letterheads have had since their 2006 gathering at the Cincinnati Zoo, where they helped ST celebrate its centennial anniversary.
The meet takes place September 24-27. The first two days will feature instruction on such topics as basic goldleaf techniques (taught by Kent Smith and Bill Riedel Sr., who possess more than 80 years of combined signmaking experience), handlettering (basic handlettering, led by globe-hopping instructor Mike Meyer (whose rustic sign for a caramel shop was featured in ST’s September issue), and classic handlettering, with the incomparably talented David Kynaston imparting his wisdom) and letter carving (which will be taught by Noella Cotnam, proprietor of Cornwall, ON, Canada’s Sign-It Signs, whose shop was also featured in September’s ST edition).
For the meet’s final two days, attendees will congregate at the American Sign Museum’s breathtaking facility just west of downtown Cincinnati to create two additional murals to adorn its walls. Andy Goretski, owner of Tomahawk, WI’s Tomahawk Murals, and Elaine Wallis, who owns Niagara Falls, ON-based Signature Signs with her husband, Jeff, will lead the project.
Also, Letterheads will paint a 100-ft.-wide wall that belongs to Nexgen, the Museum’s neighbor. The mural medley will feature a panel that brands Nexgen, which Diaz Sign Media’s Joe Diaz – a CorelDRAW competition winner – will direct; Jay Allen, owner ShawCraft Sign Co. (Machesney Park, IL) will direct another project that honors the Crosley Co.’s legacy; another pays homage to Fashion Frocks, which once operated a manufacturing facility in the museum’s current home; and, finally, Tom Seibert, an Arroyo Grande, CA-based muralist, will honor the Cincinnati Reds’ history (the team’s original ballpark was located blocks from the museum site).
Instruction and inspiration will abound at the Letterhead’s 40th anniversary meet. For more information, visit www.letterheads40.com. Online registration ends September 10, so don’t procrastinate!