Holly Bean, after deciding that languages such as Spanish and French were too difficult, decided to study American Sign Language in college. This became a major turning point in her life. After learning sign language, becoming an interpreter, and experiencing the euphoria of helping deaf people communicate, she wanted to do more. She now runs outreach programs for the American Sign Language Organization.

Sign painter and designer Joe Swec speaks on his life, his projects, and his aging (or flourishing?) medium. He discusses the typographic elements found in his work, the challenges he confronted, and the renaissance of sorts that he believes is occuring in reference to his style. 

Dougie Kerr is considered a Toronto legend, and he has been painting signs since the 60s. When he first moved to Canada in the 70s, his first job was painting totem poles. He is now one of the two only sign-makers at Honest Ed's, the most iconic department store in Toronto. He does a variety of in-store signage, sometimes producing 40-50 hand-painted signs a day. 

Jane Marks-Hastig implores us to look for the little reminders in life to stay positive. The heart, an easily recognizable and universal sign of love, is a symbol that can be found anywhere if you know where to look. All you need is a change in perspective and a little bit of humor. 

Illustrious collector Shinobu Machida returns, this time with a set of photos depicting traditional Japanese shop signs. Beautifully crafted and hewn from timber, bronze, and gold, the ornate work is certainly something to gape at. 

Stephen Jones takes us on a tour throughout the globe and shows how signs can affect the presence of a city. He shows how signs, like wine, can get better with age.

"Presentation of the Day" on September 18, 2014.

Hand painting signs all over nashville 

What does it take to survive the apocalypse of modern childhood? Some traits are obvious: grit with the ability to functionally use a knife for all manner of forest crafts. Some are subtle: silence, strategy, and profound empathy. Together, let's explore wilderness survival, tracking, alloparenting, and other skills of the wild on a quest to help save the free-range kid from extinction.

Tracey's talk explores the visual language of the streets through hand-painted old advertising signs found in Birmingham. Ghost signs helps us connect with the streets and provide a different way to navigate around the city. Revealing a hidden part of the city - connecting us with stories about people, buildings and places from the past.