Stay A While Painting

Krista Allenstein finds objects with a past life fascinating. She enjoys giving old items a purpose and an opportunity to exist in a new way. In an effort to find a new use for her collection of vintage maps, she began to use them as the foundation of her paintings of mid-century roadside neon signs, their wording altered to transform the signs into positive and encouraging beacons. Because the designs of the original signs--motel and liquor stores, diners and drive-in theatres--attracted customers during a time when not all customers were welcome, Krista wants to reinvent the purpose of these signs to attract and welcome everyone.