With recent trend, Studio B sells ‘lawn sign’ lawn signs.
MAPLEWOOD/SOUTH ORANGE — Maplewood and South Orange residents have certainly noticed the increase in lawn signs in the past few months. Whether advertising a local event or trumpeting “no dam,” signs have been popping up on lawns more prolifically than dandelions. Residents may have also noticed a new type of lawn sign in their neighbors’ yards recently that call attention to the lawns themselves.
That’s right, signs are currently being sold in Maplewood and South Orange that say “lawn” on one side with an arrow pointing down and “sign” on the other side.
Studio B, formerly the arts and cultural branch of the HK Project, which closed its doors in December 2013, has been going strong despite the dissolution of its parent nonprofit, and is responsible for this recent gag.
The lawn sign idea was the brainchild of Marcy Thompson, one of Studio B’s honchos; Studio B’s other honcho, Jenny Turner Hall, loved the idea and jumped right on board.
When asked about the inspiration for the recent project, Thompson referred to the recent proliferation of lawn signs.
“The inspiration? The many lawn signs advertising events and nonevents — house painting services, contractors, architects, political stances … you name it — adorning the lawns all over town. Sometimes it seems a little ridiculous, doesn’t it?” Thompson told the News-Record last week via email. “People take their lawns very seriously, and they also have a point of view. We thought we’d tap into that energy, and see what would happen.”
“We felt it was time to boil it down to the essence of the lawn sign, and have a little fun,” Turner Hall told the News-Record last week via email.
The signs cost $20 and all the proceeds will go to programming for the nonprofit Studio B.
“Proceeds from this campaign will go to paying artists’ fees: for our vaudeville shows, story slams, multimedia events, jazz nights, film screenings, artist symposiums … all the neat things we have percolating,” Turner Hall told the News-Record.
“Our mission is to support local artists — to spotlight their work and to develop meaningful collaborations,” Thompson said. “We live in an amazing community for this type of work. The artists are on board, and so are the audiences — what an amazing combination.”
According to Thompson and Turner Hall, while they have only sold a handful of signs so far, they are getting a big reaction.
“Clearly we touched a nerve. This is a word-of-mouth, or one might say ‘drive by,’ campaign,” they joked.
But in all seriousness, they are hoping to sell more signs in support of local artists and the artistic community.
“We’d love to sell more. By putting a lawn sign in your yard, you’re supporting local artists. What could be better?” Turner Hall said.
At a South Orange Board of Trustees meeting a couple of months ago, one resident addressed the board to complain about all the recent lawn signs. But, when asked if they had received any negative feedback regarding their latest project, the Studio B ladies said it has been smooth sailing so far.
“No push-back, but some head-scratching,” Turner Hall said.
The only feedback they have gotten so far has been positive.
“We’ve had a lot of people say how much they love our signs, but we’d love to see one on every block,” Thompson said.
Thompson and Turner Hall have made it their mission to support local artists and to have fun while doing it, and these signs are certainly bringing a lot of smiles.
“Studio B lives to entertain the community,” Turner Hall said. “For us, this is another way we can engage with an audience.”
“We love a good joke,” Thompson said. “So if this makes some people chuckle as they drive by, then we’re happy.”
Residents can purchase a “lawn sign” lawn sign from Studio B by sending an email to studiobmaplewood@gmail.com. For information on Studio B, visit www.studiobmaplewood.org.