Ghost signs are ephemeral objects that have only survived because nobody painted over them. They are a fascinating and important link to the past, but how do you preserve the layers and changes often found within one advert? Well, the Friends of Vancouver City Archives hope to answer that with their upcoming talk: Shining a light on Fading Ads.

Craig Winslow – light artist, Portland OR and Matt Cohen – urban archeologist, Winnipeg, MB will present and be in conversation with Elana Zysblat and John Atkin, heritage consultants and and Friends of the Vancouver Archives Directors.

They’ll be discussing a new augmented restoration project and technique invented by Portland-based light artist, Craig Winslow, coined by him as ‘Light Capsules’, involving the digital revitalization of worn historical advertisements through the non-invasive technology of projection, utilizing emerging light and video mapping technology, which both highlights and preserves fading painted signs while simultaneously creating engaging public art. 

Craig Winslow will talk about about his technique, his passion and some of his favourite completed projects around North America and joining Craig will be urban archeologist, Matt Cohen of Winnipeg, who has single-handedly researched over 100 ghost signs in Winnipeg’s Exchange District and has collaborated with Craig on a restoration event of several of these signs called Painted In Light. Guest moderators will be Friends of the Vancouver City Archives directors and heritage consultants Elana Zysblat and John Atkin who will bring forward local ghost sign examples and questions as well as an understanding of the technical conservation options regarding painted signs.

Tickets on Eventbrite!