Interesting Happening
Ferencz’ ‘Seven Buildings’ Exhibit Documents Missoula’s Historic Ghost Signs
By Courtney Lowery, 4-03-08
The faded logos and signs that scroll across old Missoula buildings—the ones hidden in alleys and side streets—have stories to tell.
Artist Ben Ferencz, with historian Allan Mathews, is helping to tell those stories.
“Seven Buildings,” at the Gallery Saintonge in April, studies Missoula’s so-called ghost signs through seven black and white photographs accompanied by typeset print.
According to the gallery, “Ghost signs, a dying art form - due in large to the proliferation of computer technology - are visual clues to the historic use of the buildings and the products sold therein.”
Ferencz is a graphic designer and artist who founded The Design Cooperative. His clients have included the 515, the Missoula Art Museum, Gucci, MTV and Yves Saint Laurent. Ferencz lives in St. Ignatius. Mathews is the author of A Guide to Historic Missoula and served as the city’s historic preservation officer for 11 years.
“Seven Buildings” opens at the Gallery Saintonge on Higgins Ave. Friday, April 4. Click here for more information from the gallery.
Like this story? Get more! Sign up for our free newsletters.
Ray said: "I don't know about "taking on the railroad" , and I think Bill mis-worded the following "For years, people in central Montana have been encouraging,…
Anna Daley said: "Solid story, Jason. It's so important to have journalists, like you, who can research such an important issue and deliver an unbiased report."
Barb Wire said: "As Rusty's mother, my first impulse was to say, "that's too risky!" but I have been completely impressed with the Missoula Parkour Group. They are…
Mike said: "Of course the business model that brought them to where they are now was based on real estate. No one, to my knowledge, ever denied…