Mystic Blue Signs on Magazine Street is home to artists Yvette Rutledge and her husband Vince Mitchell. This amazing studio and store can be overwhelming upon first entry as signs and prints are everywhere. It is full of local art as well as many examples of hand lettered signs. They use traditional tools and materials to create their amazing art and everything in the store is hand-cut and hand-lettered.
New Orleans is a perfect home for artists who believe signs should not be fiberglass monstrosities with no personality, but instead customized signs and graphics with meaning and character. Mystic Blue has been in its current home since 1996, but the artists have been hand-lettering since 1973.
Yvette, or Eve, as she likes to be called, is concerned that her techniques are not widely known and becoming a lost art. She and her husband have opened the Center for the Lettering Arts as a way to teach others their craft. They are offering classes in hand-lettering and engraving beginning this fall. They will also be offering some calligraphy classes in the spring. Classes begin at $180 for a 6 week class. You can get more information or sign up by calling (504)525-4691.
Please visit their web site at http://www.mysticbluesigns.com/ or go by and visit them in person. You will not be disappointed.
Mystic Blue Signs is located at 2212 Magazine St, near the intersection of Jackson Ave. They are open T-F 10-5 and Sat 10-3.
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Nikki Randolph is a former Yankee living in whodat culture and loving it! You can follow her on twitter at http://twitter.com/nolajeepgirl
