Strikes Again at the Harrison Roadhouse Pub

The most recent and exciting edition for the Pub to date! Again, they gave me free reign, with the suggestion of depicting the football team storming out of the Stadium tunnel. My laterally oriented mind jumped from storm to stormy sea, and this resulted. They are particularly fond of the "Head" football coach as a all-seeing power from above. Apparently he stops in for a drink from time to time, and I gleefully look forward to hearing his reaction.

Size: 4 by 8 feet.

Have Another Round!

A new piece for the Harrison Roadhouse pub.

When it comes to matters of creativity and basketball alike, it's usually best to "drive to the basket."

Harrison Roadhouse Pub Specials!

Size: 4' by 8'

The Harrison Roadhouse and Pub began in 1981, inhabiting the space once host to Duke's Shell Service and Gas Station. Being a restaurant popular with the Michigan State University campus-goers, the restaurant and pub both have a sports focus which pairs well with automotive history of the space itself.

Keep your eyes pealed for this particular squirrel, as he might soon put on a long term game face as Pub Mascot! H.R. Roadie anyone?

While the Pub does not have the same architecturally re-purposed feel of the Roadhouse, its charm remains unshakable.

Harrison Roadhouse Pub Sketch

This sketch comes close to the final piece, minus the letter "P" expressing its ill will toward Monday.  While a pub, they and I decided it might be better if omitted from the final.  I still think it's funny...

Hickory Corner's Greenhouse Counter!

Size: 3' by 5'

The most colorful sign at the market! I very much enjoyed accommodating John and Kate's request to create not just an advertisement for their business, but a bit of a personal bio., featuring their home, hoop house, clothesline (people still do it that way!) and enduring, leafy love.

As the first season passed, the work continues to survive the occasional curious hand and varying weather conditions in an indoor/outdoor setting. Here's to many more!

Hickory Corners Greenhouse Sketch!

This shows a relatively final layout for Hickory Corners Greenhouse, who wanted to feature themselves surrounded by the things they love best, all elements of their wonderful business and home away from home at the Lansing City Market!

Spanish Month at Zingerman's Deli!

Size: 4' by 5'6"

Great Harvest Bread Co. Window!

Size: 3' by 5'

As a volunteer through Summer 2008 with the Allen Street Neighborhood Center's Farmer's Market of Lansing MI, I had the opportunity to meet with many incredible, dedicated vendors from area farms and businesses.

When Great Harvest Bread Company joined the weekly Wednesday fray, I offered to collaborate on new marketing material for their main store; a development the owner had mentioned in conversation.

The building in which the bakery is situated features only one narrow window facing the street, occupied previously by the bare, mechanical backside of a beverage cooler. This piece brought a necessary splash of color the the face of the space, offering a quirky, yet warm invitation to join their wonderful and friendly staff for a mid-day meal!

An initial rough concept for the Great Harvest Bakery. I wish this had become a part of the show. A great chef should never be afraid to take things to the next level!

This still makes me hungry sometimes...

Zingerman's Deli Boards

Size: 4' by 5'6"

Size: 4' by 5'6"

The boards that started it all. Working in the Zingerman's Deli on red bricked Detroit St. in Ann Arbor, MI, presented me with many challenges common in any high volume unquestionably popular retail environment. Some were less common; for instance, the endless opportunities for personal artistic expression.

After a three to four month dry spell of unchanging, fast fading cheese case chalkboard, I asked the ever available manager if I might do my best to further enliven the already rich visual entry to the store. Having already produced a body of small signs for cases, coffees and bread specials, I drew a yes! Working for and with them was an honor and privilege.

Be sure to pay a visit to the culturally rich city of Ann Arbor MI, and absolutely stop in to experience the treasure of a company that is Zingerman's Delicatessen. Rare are businesses such as this, with impeccable service, creative flair and outstanding commitment to quality and local growth! If the Deli does not suit you, check out the Z. Roadhouse, a full service restaurant or the Creamery, where they make their own Gelato and assorted cheeses.

...And so began the story of my adventures in the world of chalk, where one never gets rusty, only dusty.

Enjoy!

Green River Boards are In

Size: 3'6" by 4'6"

Size: 3'6" by 4'

Size: 3'6" by 3'6"

Size: 3' by 3'9"

I've just completed this series of four boards for the Green River Cafe at the Lansing City Market.

Working on site at the Lansing City Market proved a delight, as all kinds of passionate and engaging people would stop me in my messy tracks to talk about life, art and local food. I literally live for all of these things!

The owner, Jim, gave me free reign as designer to create increasingly whimsical scenes to enhance the otherwise unremarkable environment over the counter. While pleased with my earliest efforts, the most satisfying part of this project came in the form of the many smiles and inquiries from both children and adults, all curious and seemingly more pleasant for having taken a look!

A quick visualization of the balloon parade over farm country I imagined for the Green River Cafe's fresh soup board. Featured are some of my favorite ingredients. While none of them actually hold hot air terribly well, I would float all about the sky in an inflatable eggplant. I think the rich purple looks great against the light blue, don't you?

Green River Cafe Sketches

These quick pen sketches inspired all kinds of colorful imagery and wordplay for my first series!