PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Easton Town Signs project involved the ideation, creation and installation of public signs (four overall designed, three installed as of 6/2024), to welcome visitors and celebrate the community spirit of Easton, CT. As a designer on this project, I collaborated with the Easton Arts Council, Easton Planning & Zoning Committee, as well as  students and teachers  from Samuel Staples Elementary School, Helen Keller Middle School, and Joel Barlow High School, integrating over 300 images drawn by the students into vibrant, cohesive collages that represent what Easton means to them. The aesthetic approach behind the college was based on combining traditional American folk painting with children’s book illustrations.

Two of the signs were unveiled on June 18, 2022 at Samuel Staples Elementary School during an event attended by State Senator Tony Hwang, Easton’s land use consultant Justin Giorlando, Planning and Zoning Commission member Alison Sternberg, Sheila Weaver from the Easton Arts Council and students and their families. The second "Welcome to Easton" sign was installed at the bottom of Sport Hill Road on Route 59, near the Fairfield town line, while the first sign, designed by Keller students, was installed last year at the intersection of Black Rock Turnpike and Route 136.

The project was a community effort, with contributions from local students and support from various town officials and organizations. The design process emphasized clarity, understanding, and visual impact, ensuring that the signs effectively conveyed the welcoming spirit and artistic talent of Easton. The signs have been well-received, enhancing the town's entrances with vibrant, community-driven artwork.

A third "Welcome to Easton" sign is being installed at the end of Stepney Road on the Monroe border in June of 2024. Like the previous signs, created through a call to action art competition among local students, continuing to showcase the town's thriving artistic talent. A fourth sign will be installed in the 2024-2025 fiscal year. 

The Easton Town Signs project not only beautifies the town’s entrances but also highlights the creativity and community spirit of its residents. By involving local students in the design process, the project fosters a sense of pride and ownership among young artists and reflects the town's values and identity through their eyes.

RELATED PRESS

Third Student-Inspired ‘Welcome to Easton’ Sign Planned, Easton Courier, October 19, 2023

Second Student-Designed ‘Welcome to Easton’ Sign Installed, Easton Courier, August 24, 2023

First of the Student-Designed ‘Welcome To Easton’ Signs Installed at 4 Corners, Easton Courier, 

December 20, 2022

New ‘Welcome to Easton’ Signs Unveiled, Easton Courier, July 6, 2022

INTELLECTUAL IMPACT & MERIT

Intellectual Merit

The Easton Town Signs project demonstrates significant intellectual merit through its innovative approach to community engagement and collaborative design. As a designer, I facilitated the integration of approximately 300 images drawn by students from Samuel Staples Elementary School, Helen Keller Middle School, and Joel Barlow High School into vibrant, cohesive collages. This process not only involved artistic skill but also the ability to synthesize diverse visual elements into a unified representation of community identity. By harnessing the creativity of young students, the project encapsulates their perspectives on what Easton means to them, reflecting the town's essence through the eyes of its future generation.

Impact

The impact of the Easton Town Signs project is multifaceted, reaching a broad audience and enhancing community pride. The signs are strategically placed at key entrances to the town, including the intersection of Black Rock Turnpike and Route 136, and at the bottom of Sport Hill Road near the Fairfield town line. The average daily traffic on these routes, Route 59 and Route 58, is approximately 5,000 vehicles, ensuring that thousands of travelers see the signs each day​ (CT Geodata Portal)​​ (CT.gov)​.

Community Engagement

The project has had a profound impact on the students and community members involved. Over 270 students participated in the creation of the artwork over three years, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment. The unveiling events, attended by local dignitaries such as State Senator Tony Hwang and Easton’s land use consultant Justin Giorlando, further underscored the community's support and appreciation for the project.

Design Impact

The design of the signs plays a crucial role in their effectiveness. The clear, organized visual elements ensure that the message is easily understood by viewers, while the cohesive brand architecture creates a strong, lasting impression. This design clarity enhances the signs' ability to convey a welcoming message, highlighting the artistic talent and community spirit of Easton. The Easton Town Signs project not only beautifies the town's entrances but also serves as a testament to the creative potential of its youth and the collaborative spirit of its residents.