Author Archives: AtlasSigns

Frank Lloyd Wright Exhibit Now through May 15 in Milwaukee

Frank Lloyd Wright Eagle Feather Font Address Plaque

FLW Eagle Feather Font Craftsman Plaque

Just a reminder to attend a Frank Lloyd Wright Exhibit in Milwaukee

Don’t miss the Frank Lloyd Wright: Organic Architecture for the 21st Century Exhibitnow through May 15, 2011 in the Baker/Rowland Galleries at the Milwaukee Art Museum.

If you are interested in the finest architecture from the early Arts and Crafts era to Mid-Century, FLW may be your hero.

Experience over 150 objects designed by “America’s greatest architect,” Frank Lloyd Wright, in the new exhibition Frank Lloyd Wright: Organic Architecture for the 21st Century at the Milwaukee Art Museum.

The Flower of Life as Wall Art

Photo of Flower of life address plaque

The Flower of Life

Flower of Life, often referred to as the Sacred Geometry

As a gift, it has been said that giving the Flower of Life to someone is akin to giving them the whole universe. Our guess is that, while this is a great concept in theory, season game tickets or jewels are a safer bet.

FOL photo in Egypt

In Egypt

Considered to be sacred in that the Flower of Life represents a geometrical pattern that is one of the common threads throughout the entire universe. To many it means that all life has the same source. While maybe not considered wall art at the time, the most ancient Flower of Life symbol seems to be at The Temple of Osiris at Abydos, Egypt. The symbol’s use is widespread and is not confined to any one area. It has been used for centuries in Turkish, Eastern European, and Indian cultures, and a variation even shows up in Peru.

The Flower of Life can be broken down into its basic components, the Egg of Life and The Seed of Life. Taking the Flower one step farther results in the Fruit of Life. Both mystical and mathematical aspects have captivated the greatest thinkers in history.

Flower of Life Wall Art Plaque

Flower of Life Wall Art

Leonardo Da Vinci seemed enthralled with the mathematical properties of the Flower. He drew it repeatedly in all of its permutations and elements. So important are the patterns and spacing that the Flower of Life may be the basis for music,  and likely contains the “magic ratio” called phi. The flower of life has endured for over 4 thousand years, and remains a source of wonder, inspiration, and even amusement.

We would like to hear about your thoughts and feelings about this post. Just send us an email and we will review with the intent of publishing if we feel it is appropriate. We are not averse to disagreement, and contrasting opinions will not disqualify your comments. We don’t publish links, shouting, vulgar language, or insults, but honor spirited discourse.

Floral, A New Name Plate From Atlas Signs and Plaques

photo of a floral motif name plate in Iron Rust finish

Rusty Flowers?

It must be that spring is arriving soon (even in Wisconsin)

that is causing a renewed interest in plaques with floral designs. Here is a new name plate that we think signifies that warmer weather is on the way.

Of course, your name plate doesn’t have to say “Smartypants”, or even be a name plate at all. This plaque could make an interesting entry into the garden or potting shed. Just tell us at Atlas Signs and Plaques, what you would like, and you will have it before the first roses show buds.

How Metal Facades Coated the World In Bronze

To keep it in perspective, this world is three feet in diameter.

This world is a topographically correct Earth model slated for display at the San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands, California, a regional museum with exhibits and collections in cultural and natural history.

Bronzed World

Bronzed World

When you get the chance to observe the beautiful globe, notice its exquisite detail. We were taken with the depth of the undersea trenches, especially off the African Continent. This is in such marked contrast to the depth of the Great Lakes which are barely noticeable due to their relative depth.

Globe Detail

Globe Detail

The globe is just fascinating to look at and it is a wonder that we were able to complete it in a timely manner. The world is constructed of fiberglass, and the job of Metal Facades was to coat it in LuminOre® real bronze. Once completed, it looks like it weighs tons and cost tens of thousands of dollars. Neither is true. It is another museum piece proudly transformed by the artisans at Metal Facades.

Metal Facades specializes in coating museum displays, and architectural elements made from inexpensive material,  into masterpieces of bronze, brass, nickel silver, iron, and copper. Look to Metal Facades for the look of foundry cast without the weight, wait, or expense.

Coffee Klatch – A Social Gathering for Conversation and Coffee

Have a cup of Jo at your next coffee klatch. Wonderful wall art address or phrase plaque

Coffee Wall Art

Coffee Klatch – Coffee and Socializing – It seems so outdated – Or is it?

As we use texting, email, facebook, and twitter to converse and connect, the whole concept of actually meeting face-to-face to enjoy a cup of coffee seems like a product of years gone by. But maybe some of us that spend hours in front of a glowing screen are more out of touch with reality than we think. We may be missing a great social opportunity for open discussion and friendship. The concept of meeting informally with friends, neighbors, and relatives over a cup of coffee is not dead. It happens millions of times per day, and not, as you might think, only in Starbucks, Caribou, Tully’s or Pete’s.

Time to socialize with a cup of coffee

Good Coffee Makes Good Sense

The term, Coffee Klatsch, is most likely German in origin and seems to date to the late 1800s, making it over a century old. Kaffeeklatsch is easily translated Kaffee, duh..coffee. and klatsch meaning noise or conversation. Many spellings have evolved and it is not unusual to see it as Klatch, Clatch, Klatch, Clatch, or even Clutch.

It would be easy to believe that clatches are strictly a small town phenomenon, but I have observed the tradition from the largest cities to very rural communities. Every cafe, diner, and family restaurant hosts these gatherings  mornings and even mid afternoons. And, not every member of the klatch is a AARP member. These gatherings are as much about business and community, as about pure social conversation. The gatherings may have evolved a little, but they are still an indicator of the pulse of the community and offer an opportunity to add balance and social conversation back into our lives. Coffee can be much more than ordering a skinny latte to go through a drive through window. Take the plunge, take your morning break with real people and real breakable mugs rather than sitting alone with a paper cup.

We would like to hear about your thoughts and feelings about this post. Just send us an email and we will review with the intent of publishing if we feel it is appropriate. We are not averse to disagreement, and contrasting opinions will not disqualify your comments. We don’t publish links, shouting, vulgar language, or insults, but honor spirited discourse.