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Number 19 is now installed in Oswego, IL - a tribute to a the Boy Scouts and their installation of 3,300 LH markers along the entire length of the road back in 1925 . . . as a tribute to Abraham Lincoln.
The concrete markers were all installed in one day . . . and work began with a signal from the Boy Scout headquarters to all the crews working across the country. The first photo in the slideshow is the photo I was given - and had to make work in a vertical format.
Not much for pictorial with a vertically oriented mural . . . so Joe Marshall covered the largest area of square footage on this mural . . .
The step-by-step is not so effective here since it was 18 feet high and we only have 12 foot ceilings . . . so use your imagination.
I think #20 will be Frankfort, Illinois . . . and a repeat of the Boy Scout story. I've found the face to be very challenging for a novice pictorial painter like me . . . these 2 boys were as large as Doug Downey so I painted in a bit more detail - but it is tough. The Frankfort mural has 6 faces in it (UGH!) but at least they are smaller . . .
Quite a project . . . 14 more to go - until April 2013 . . . We'd truly like to be done sooner.
[ September 28, 2011, 06:56 PM: Message edited by: Jay Allen ]
-------------------- Jay Allen ShawCraft Sign Co. Machesney Park, IL jallen222@aol.com http://www.shawcraft.com/
"The object of the superior man is truth." -Confucius Posts: 1285 | From: Machesney Park, IL, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Thanks, Brent . . . shadowed faces are a PIA . . .
Nope - Oswego Drag Strip closed in 1979 according to the Internet - but the commercials are classic still . . . Heard 'em a bajillion times on Chicago radio, too . . .
-------------------- Jay Allen ShawCraft Sign Co. Machesney Park, IL jallen222@aol.com http://www.shawcraft.com/
"The object of the superior man is truth." -Confucius Posts: 1285 | From: Machesney Park, IL, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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They are great to see. Thanks for posting these with the step by step pics, they really help a guy like me.
-------------------- Sam Staffan Mackinaw Art & Sign 721 S. Nokomis St. Mackinaw City, MI dstaffan@sbcglobal.net Posts: 1694 | From: Mackinaw City, MI | Registered: Mar 2004
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All those questions have been asked before . . . and a search here will give you all the answers from paints (artists oils and Ronan) to materials used (3mm 4' x 10' Dibond) to attachment (each town puts up a 2" x 4" frame as per our dimension plan. We simply come in and screw the panels to the frame with 1.25" wafer head screws. Takes 45 minutes to an hour - and is so rapid since we paint all the screws on the wall in-house as we go - then transfer them to their appropriate holes when installing.)
As with all Letterheads, sharing is what is proper - so that's what my intention is. The added info may help you or your shop . . . or at least that is the hope.
It's challenging . . . to be sure. But rarely do you get 'legacy' projects and my normal 'high standards' fit well with that . . .
But it was intimidating at first. To be sure. Recently the ILHC (my client) was given a national award by the America's Byways folks for Interpretive projects - so affirmation of others keeps me inspired - and challenged - for the remaining 14 murals.
But rest assured that I will 'dance a little jig' when the last screw goes in . . . and then take the long road home.
-------------------- Jay Allen ShawCraft Sign Co. Machesney Park, IL jallen222@aol.com http://www.shawcraft.com/
"The object of the superior man is truth." -Confucius Posts: 1285 | From: Machesney Park, IL, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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OK Jay! I did the search and read all the posts and comments on the murals and I'm more impressed than ever. The info you provided and and the documentation has been great. It is much appreciated. Looking forward to the next one.
-------------------- Mike Simpson Simpson Studios 324 E. Main St., montrose, CO 81401 970-249-1098 www.mikesimpsonart.com Posts: 30 | From: Montrose, Colorado | Registered: Aug 2011
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Mike . . . Letterheads share. It seemed beneficial to share the experience of this with fellow professionals. I've tried to be complete - but have left out the always-present issue with bureaucracy and project management from the agency that I am doing the work for . . .
That said, please don't think there's been 'red tape' issues that have hurt the project - because managing something of this magnitude is all new to them as well. We've done pretty well, considering, Mike . . . but as with all things in life, nothing's perfect when completed - perfection can only be found in the effort.
We're trying hard - it was tough at first - but the last 14 are somewhat templatized in the process now . . . so that helps ease any design or communication burdens.
As I complete them, I'll be adding more step-by-steps . . . and when the last one goes up, you'll see a photo of a smiling Jay hoisting a glass of something alcoholic and toasting to the end!! I'm going to gild a wafer-headed screw and attach the last panel with it . . . just like 'the Golden Spike' . . .
Might as well have a chuckle . . .
-------------------- Jay Allen ShawCraft Sign Co. Machesney Park, IL jallen222@aol.com http://www.shawcraft.com/
"The object of the superior man is truth." -Confucius Posts: 1285 | From: Machesney Park, IL, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Well...I think when you get done with them I'll jump on the Harley and come take a tour of the series. On the other hand maybe I won't wait that long. Maybe next spring. The sharing you and the rest of the group do is why I'm attracted to the Letterheads. It is very inspiring. Thanks again Jay.
-------------------- Mike Simpson Simpson Studios 324 E. Main St., montrose, CO 81401 970-249-1098 www.mikesimpsonart.com Posts: 30 | From: Montrose, Colorado | Registered: Aug 2011
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quote:Originally posted by Jay Allen: Thanks, Brent . . . shadowed faces are a PIA . . .
Nope - Oswego Drag Strip closed in 1979 according to the Internet - but the commercials are classic still . . . Heard 'em a bajillion times on Chicago radio, too . . .
I remember it too as I was going to Oswego High School (when there was only one) at the time.
-------------------- Dana Blair Blair Signs Wooster, OH www.blairsigns.com
If sign makers go on strike, is there anything written on their picket signs? Posts: 835 | From: Wooster, OH, USA | Registered: Jul 1999
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-------------------- Catharine C. Kennedy CCK Graphics 1511 Route 28 Chatham Center, NY 12184 cck1620@taconic.net "Look at me, Look at me, Look at me now! I't's fun to have fun, But you have to know how!" Posts: 2173 | From: downtown Chatham Center, NY | Registered: Feb 2004
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Pete...naw, that probably won't happen. I know you guys and gals are big on sharing here in Letterville, but I'll have to draw the line there . I do think it'd make for a great road trip to see the murals however. I was thinking in the spring but maybe in the fall instead when the weather isn't so vicious.
-------------------- Mike Simpson Simpson Studios 324 E. Main St., montrose, CO 81401 970-249-1098 www.mikesimpsonart.com Posts: 30 | From: Montrose, Colorado | Registered: Aug 2011
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