Sign Installation: Setting sail with a unique welcome sign

by marika_gabriel | 26 September 2024 10:00 am

In April 2024, Tipi Adventures in Bracebridge, Ont., commissioned a unique art piece for their entryway: a repurposed canoe depicting local surroundings. Installed in May 2024 by Route North, the project was managed in-house from sketch to completion.

By Marika Gabriel

Who was the client and what was the project?

Simply Tipi—Tipi Adventures in Bracebridge, Ont. The client wanted an art piece at the entry to the grounds so people could easily recognize they were in the right place.

How did your company land the contract for this project?

We secured the contract through an event hosted at Route North in collaboration with the Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce. During the event, Elke Schlichte, the owner of Tipi Adventures, was captivated by our innovative display featuring a canoe mounted on the wall. She loved the idea, and from there, our discussions progressed smoothly towards finalizing the contract.

When did the project begin and when was it completed?

This project began in April 2024 and was installed in the last weekend of May 2024.

What was the scope of the project?

The main goal was to depict the surroundings of Tipi Adventures inside the canoe, including three tipis, a pond, and a variety of trees, capturing both daytime and nighttime scenes.

Did the client have a design prepared or was everything done in-house?

The initial sketches were created by artist Jane Rooyakkers and sent to the client. We had several discussions and a visit to the shop where Elke reviewed the project and suggested any necessary changes. All work for this job was completed in-house.

What was the fabrication process for the project?

There was no fabrication in this project. The process started with a sketch, based on the location and suggestions from the client. The canoe is 3.6 m (12 ft) long, had been patched a few times, and then retired, so this was a great way to repurpose it. The canoe was cleaned, primed, and then painted with exterior paint. Once the painting was completed, we brushed it with two coats of exterior clear sealant.

Were there any challenges within the project?

Our main challenge was ensuring it accurately represented the surroundings: the right amount of foliage, tree varieties, a pond, and the distinctive styles of the tipis/tents.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This was the type of project we love—it’s not a typical sign. It’s a piece of art perfectly describing the location. No words were required.

Source URL: https://www.signmedia.ca/setting-sail-with-a-unique-welcome-sign/

---