Krista V. Allenstein

Krista V. 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 signage existing in urban and roadside settings, their wording altered to transform the signs into positive, encouraging and occasionally amusing 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, welcome and entertain everyone.