Signs of the Times - June 2012 - (Page 22)

STRICTLY ELECTRIC By Wesleann Polkowske Wesleann Polkowske is a production assistant for Ion Art (Austin, TX). The Varsity Band Ion Art updates an historic blade sign and mural. In our full-service fabrication and production studio, we pride ourselves on our unique style and ability to create memorable and distinctive signage and décor. A company built on the marriage of art and function, it’s beautified Austin’s skyline for 25 years with its technical sophistication. For its latest project, Ion Art played a pivotal role in rejuvenating a prominent Austin business center. We recreated the distinctive, threestory, vintage neon sign at the Varsity Theater building on Guadalupe St., and restored the building’s original, 104-ft.-long mural, a local landmark that Carlos Lowry produced. The Varsity building is prominently located along a major street adjacent to the University of Texas. Through the years, it housed many businesses before it deteriorated into an empty behemoth, a darkened shell lurking over an otherwise emerging shopping district. Though the building remained unused, the façade’s artistic mural, which celebrates several historic films and characters, remained a favorite among locals. When the Meridian Group purchased the property, it intended Ion Art (Austin, TX) fabricated a new blade sign and handpainted, exterior mural for the Varsity Theater building, a former Austin moviehouse that’s been transformed into a retail center. The permitting process presented more challenges than a standard project; Ion Art enlisted the Board of Adjustment and the Austin Historical Preservation Society to greenlight the project. After six months, city officials granted the variance. to maintain the building’s historical flair. Rather than a complete architectural overhaul, it opted for updates that architect Michael Antenora called “reasonable facsimiles of the original. This marriage of classic style with a modern twist maintains the integrity of the original work, while allowing the building to evolve.” Austinites enthusiastically supported the project. In essence, the spirit of Austin business has itself been a marriage of these qualities for many years. The city’s slogan of “Keep Austin Weird” captures the importance the town’s inhabitants place on individuality and creativity. “Many sign companies are very industrially focused; they present themselves as strictly builders and manufacturers. They lack an orientation towards design; thus, their final products often don’t align with the designer’s original intent. Because we’re designers and fabricators, we understand architects’ and designers’ initial project intent, and are able to fully bring those qualities to life,” said Greg Keshishian, co-owner at Ion Art, when he described why our company’s dedication to artistry and local flavor enables Ion Art to handle historic renovations. Permits and paperwork Greg often jokes that building this sign was easy compared to getting the necessary permits. Typically smooth, the permitting process normally entails only an application and artwork submittal. Assuming To preserve the Varsity’s cinematic imagery, Ion Art mimicked Carlos Lowry’s original mural with exterior-latex paint. 22 SIGNS OF THE TIMES / JUNE 2012 / www.signweb.com http://www.signweb.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Signs of the Times - June 2012

Signs of the Times - June 2012
Contents
ST Update
Technology Update
Vinyl Apps
Strictly Electric
LED Update
Software Update
Technology Review
Technology Review
Sign Museum News
New Products
Announcing the Mutoh-sponsored 6th annual Vehicle Graphics Contest
They dwell well
A splash from the past
Digital Print Updates
The Value of Signs
Strength by Association
Advertising Index
Editorially Speaking

Signs of the Times - June 2012