The Mobile Sign Shop (MSS) is inspired by the vernacular of cabin name signs found in Northern Minnesota. At the beginning of roads leading to a lake with cabins, there can often be found a collection of wooden/engraved/painted/ handmade signs bearing the names of residents i.e. The Thompson’s in the case of my grandparents.
The MSS is housed on a trailer that provides an attention getting location stocked with sign making supplies. This trailer is not a standard utility trailer, but recognizable as a location for activity, painted brightly, with flags and sample signs. Inserting a non-standard, incongruous tool into public space, brings out people’s curiosity and willingness to engage.
The MSS provides guidance and prompts on how to make a name sign along with materials, paint and brushes etc. as well as assistance in carving out letters with a router. More than materials we provide a location for people to converse about something we all have stories about, our names and families. The MSS comes fully staffed with a facilitator and sign carver.
You can find out how to hire the Mobile Sign Shop by visiting
readygoart.com/tools/mobile-sign-shop/
current pics here-facebook.com/MobileSignShop
Mobile Sign Shop schedule, Summer 2024!
Saturday, May 25, 1-4pm
West St Paul (Wentworth Library)
Tuesday, May 28, 4-7pm
Hastings (Pleasant Hill Library)
Saturday, June 1, 10-1pm
Zumbrota Library/SELCO
Monday, June 3rd- 5-7:30
St Peter Library- Minnesota Square Park
Friday, June 7-1-4pm
Stewartville Library
Saturday, June 15
Arlington MN Library
Thurs, June 20, 1-4pm
Fairmont Library
Fri, June 21, 10-1pm
Blooming Prairie, MN
Friday, June 28, 1-4pm
Rushford Library/SELCO
Monday, July 1, 2-5pm
Austin Library/SELCO
Wed, July 3, 2-5pm
Albert Lea Library/SELCO
July 4, 11-2pm
Harmony, MN
Harmony Public Library
Viking Library System tour
July 18, 1:00-4:00pm
Browns Valley Public Library
July 19- two-fer
9am-12pm
Evansville City Park, hosted by the Evansville Art Center
2:00-5:00pm: Glenwood Public Library
July 20, two-fer
10-1pm
Pelican Rapids Public Library
3-6pm
Henning Landmark Center, Henning, MN
July 21, 11am-2pm
Creative Art Center, hosted by Art of the Lakes | 112 Main Street West, Battle Lake
August 3- time TBD
Tyler, MN-Lincoln County Fair
September 28, 10-1pm
Winona Library/SELCO