'Interact with the history': New ghost signs installation to be unveiled in Winnipeg
Old faded signs in some of Winnipeg's historic neighbourhoods will look brand new again, thanks to some technology and creativity.
Craig Winslow is a light artist from Portland, Oregon and said this is the best way to restore the old signs, also known as ghost signs.
"I started this project called light capsules. So taking these old ghost signs and bringing them back to life with technology. It's non-damaging, typically a restoration or repainting it, honestly, causes more damage. Using light, as paint, is a way to not damage the signs further, but show layers from the past, and often times, multiple layers," said Winslow.
Winslow is not doing the project in Winnipeg alone as he has teamed up with Matt Cohen, who is an urban archaeologist.
He said he has been documenting the faded ads since 2013.
"About five years ago, I partnered with Craig to put on an event called Paint in the Light, where we brought five signs back to life for one night. After that, we started talking about how you showcase these in that it's a permanent install," said Cohen.
With this new installation, Winnipeg is set to become the first place in the world to feature a permanent light capsule.
"Rather than using video projection, we're trying to figure what's the simplest way we can do this? We're using gobo lights that you would see in a theatre, but mapped meticulously and fade between these three distinct layers of this sign. We're very excited, it's very rare that these multiple layered signs are able to bring a specific moment back in time," said Winslow.
The signs will be lit on Friday in the Exchange District with Winslow saying the area is such a unique place to showcase so many different signs.
Cohen said these signs will give Winnipeggers a bit of a history lesson about all the businesses that came to the city at the turn of the century.
"It's a really cool way to interact with the history of the city and the brands that called it home," said Cohen.
They noted the unveiling will happen in Old Market Square at around 10:30 p.m. as they have to wait for the sun to go down to get the full experience of the lights.
- With files from CTV's Nicole Dube.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7029443.1725744633!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
Police release video of Toronto plaza shooting that killed university student
A university student from Brampton was killed when two shooters fired indiscriminately into a crowded plaza in Toronto last month in what police say was a 'cowardly act.'
BREAKING Manhunt underway for suspect after several people shot in Kentucky near Interstate 75, officials say
Several people have been shot near Interstate 75 in Laurel County, Kentucky, according to the Laurel County Sheriff’s office.
The iPhone is getting a 'glow' up. What to expect from Apple's Monday event
Apple excited fans with its vision for its 'Apple Intelligence' artificial intelligence system earlier this year. Now, it's time for the company to prove it really works.
No more porta-potties at B.C. construction sites starting Oct. 1
What some B.C. construction workers describe as the worst aspect of their jobs will be coming to an end next month, the province announced.
'Hopeless and helpless': Regina mother seeks help to treat rare spinal disease
Mary Grace Rico is seeking help in getting treatment for a rare spinal condition.
'Extremely vigorous' wildfire activity in central B.C. prompts crews to back off for safety
The wildfire fight in central B.C. intensified Friday, according to officials.
Trump campaigns in Wisconsin just days ahead of debate with Harris
With just days to go before his first — and likely only — debate against U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris, former U.S. president Donald Trump leaned into his familiar grievances about everything from his indictments to the border as he campaigned in one of the most deeply Republican swaths of battleground Wisconsin.
They were due to leave for their dream cruise in May. Three months on they’re still stuck at the departure port
It was the years-long cruise that was supposed to set sail, but saw its departure postponed… postponed… and postponed again.