We had a great February Program with Mike Meyer, journeyman sign painter - and fascinating story-teller. As his website states:

“With over 30 years in the trade, there isn’t much that Mike Meyer hasn’t painted, or painted on, but he’s always open to new and exciting ventures in the sign game.”

Mike regaled us with stories of his international travels giving workshops, lectures and his freelance experiences. He has ALL the skills - and shares that knowledge in a friendly, conversational style.

He has a new studio (a refurbished church) in Chester, Iowa where he holds sign painting workshops. I loved the virtual tour of his studio/storage area and the always valuable tips and insider hacks - like how he keeps his paints warm - and sets up a ladder on his truck in a certain way so he can do a tough job alone - experience talking.

His lettering demo was short and to the point but there is much to be explored in his recently published book Sign Painting: A practical guide to tools, materials, and techniques. Interest in Mike's work has really taken off after the movie Sign Painters was released in 2013 - a must see! And now Mike has just released his own font.

Mike is the embodiment of the dedicated craftsperson that helps keep the tradition of his craft alive… In his own words:

“Nothing can replace the ‘power’ of what a brush in your hand can produce”.

- Contributed by Patricia Paolella and Jill Gebhardt