February 16th, 2022

After visiting the Whistler House and the Lowell National Park in Lowell, MA, Profesor Wynn tasked us to complete a round of initial research on exhibition signage, large wall graphics, patterns, and examples of ephemera. This process was to be completed simultaneously with traveling to these exhibitions and acquiring general knowledge for possible inspiration and motivation for our own 75th Anniversary Exhibition in the McCoy Art Gallery.

Upon doing my research, I found great examples for all the categories and created an in-depth presentation that we then presented to the class for critique and general discussion. My findings consisted of the following: 

Exhibition Signage:

Exhibition signage serves one main purpose, capturing the attention of the audience to propel them to visit the exhibition, and additionally provide essential information for those unaware of what the event entails. Exhibition signage comes in all shapes and sizes, some prioritize graphical symbols, and some are strictly typographical. 

Exhibition signage is unique due to the various forms that it can take. Signage can be large, and hang from the ceiling. Or, signage can be small and placed around the environment for constant marketing. Signage in general is quite universal. A banner-style sign, can both be placed beside important artifacts, but also act as a sense of wayfinding for that outside of the building, and inside the gallery itself.

When it comes to creating signage for the actual artifacts themselves, exhibitions and museums often resort to the same design strategy. A minimalistic approach, such as a plain white background, has since become popular, more often than not with a sans serif typeface. This type of signage represents the artifact itself, rather than the exhibition as a whole. These signs usually start with information about the piece, and then a brief summary/explanation about what it actually is.

Large Wall Graphics:

When researching large wall graphics, I first wanted to research how exhibitions often display type for their work. designers and artists often include the large types that display a related message or words that highlight the work chosen. I believe that this is a great way and opportunity to implement wall graphics both on an easy scale, but also as a hierarchical method to create a separation between both the artifact and the wall itself. 

A combination of both typography and a colorful design pattern that elicits attention has become popular when discussing and implementing wall graphics. Color draws an audience in and creates intrigue. An audience will either not be enticed to enter or stay for a long period of time if the exhibition or gallery is simply made of white space. While prioritizing white space is popular, an introduction to unique color arrangements and design might add unique and powerful character to an exhibition. 

Patterns:

When researching patterns within exhibitions, I found examples of patterns that might not appear in our exhibition per se, but could be the basis for some of our design thinking. Color was the biggest pattern element that frequently came up in my research. Whether we incorporate a variety of colors, or simply stick with the color pallet of Merrimack College, I believe that a pattern of color of some sort will do the gallery justice to the masses. Having a pattern behind artifacts or simply in the exhibition area will not only draw attention to the artifact, but also treat the pattern and McCoy Gallery as an artifact itself.

Ephemera:

Ephemera is important to exhibitions. They provide a sense of purpose, intrigue, and leave the audience with a piece of the gallery that they can keep. It creates a memory from that specific experience.

When researching common products and goods that are given out at exhibitions and museums, keychains were the clear favorite. Keychains are small, inexpensive, less cumbersome, and interesting to anyone who is unaware of what the product stands for. It can be applied to almost anything, and unique for those interested. 

Additionally, at other events for a college, professional setting, etc. lanyards are a common piece of ephemera that are given to individuals. They are cheap to produce, but give the audience a sense of gift or care. These require no logo, and would be perfect to match with any other piece of ephemera that is chosen.