Sponsored by Evansville Arts Coalition and Viking Library System, this drop-in event will be held in Evansville City Park on Friday, July 19 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon.

The Mobile Sign Shop (MSS) is inspired by the vernacular of wooden/engraved/painted/handmade signs found in National/State parks and at cabins and homes in Greater Minnesota and beyond.

The Mobile Sign Shop provides guidance and prompts on how to make a custom sign along with materials, paint and brushes etc. as well as staff to carve letters with a router. More than materials, they provide a location for people to converse about something we all have stories about - our names and families.

Teaching artist Peter Haakon Thompson and his assistant provide the tools needed for participants to create their own customized, carved wooden signs, inspired by the vernacular of Northern Minnesota cabin signs. 

Thompson, a Site Manager for Springboard for the Arts, works in Community Development and oversees the Ready Go Initiative.  The Mobile Sign Shop is one of 19 artist created Ready Go tools that are purpose-built to pique curiosity and prompt interaction.  Thompson describes his primary mediums as “participation, interaction and conversation.”  Some of his other works include Art Shanty Projects, Expeditionary Conversation Tents and the Temporary Table Tennis Trailer.

Mark your calendars now, and plan to join in the fun of making a personalized sign in the Evansville City Park! All ages are welcome. The event is free and open to the public, funded in part with monies from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage fund and sponsored by Evansville Arts Coalition and Viking Library System.

In the event of rain, please check the Evansville Art Center website or Facebook page for the alternate location.