NOLA 'Nacular: One man's crusade to preserve New Orleans's vernacular signage

2 days ago

Anthony DelRosario launched Nola 'Nacular to document and preserve New Orleans' hand-painted vernacular signs, which he sees as fragile art forms.
DelRosario compares his work to folk preservationists like Alan Lomax, capturing community voices through signs that advertise, advise, and express local culture.
He collaborated with sign painter Lester Carey, supporting him with materials and commissions, and helped immortalize Carey's fonts online after his 2017 passing.
Other notable sign artists include Tom White, a Central City painter known for word-of-mouth work, and Pam Collins, who adds glitter and stars to signs in Gentilly and the 7th Ward.
DelRosario operates a gallery on Magazine Street, hosting events and selling prints and shirts to celebrate sign painting and foster community.
The project emphasizes DIY creativity and human connection, contrasting digital/AI signs with hand-painted ones that give neighborhoods a unique 'voice.'

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