Ghost Walls and Sign History
/Early in May 2024, dozens of sign artists from across the continent converged on the American Sign Museum (Cincinnati) to contribute their talents to the museum’s forthcoming “Main Street” expansion. Our very own Noella Cotnam was one of the hand-selected sign artists invited to lend her talent to the legendary archive of sign history in America.
Ghost signs are old, hand-painted advertising signs that have been preserved on buildings for a long time. They are often found in urban areas on high streets, but can also be hidden in alleyways or on rooftops. Noella was tasked to design and render a nostalgic look into the past an auto parts and service station ad.
The current extent of the Main Street exhibit allows guests to view various signs along the avenue of a business district, complete with shopfronts and decorated windows. Over the course of a week, the sign artists painted, gilded and carved signs, restored old pieces and created new “antiques.” The new wing of the museum is scheduled to open in mid-July. Signs of the Times was invited for an inside look, up close with the artists in action, and we’re happy to share some sneak peeks here.
