Warning: objects may appear larger (or smaller) than normal thanks to CSSI’s scenic artists

Led by Project Specialist Kevin Taylor and Janet Peterson, paint department head, CSSI’s scenic artists can create almost anything a client can dream up. Pictured at the right are several recent projects that were created to catch the eye of attendees at various trade shows. Ronsley Special Events (a Chicago Scenic neighbor) hired us to create the five-foot-tall vitamin bottle made of wood, paint and vinyl for one of their clients.

Chicago Scenic’s own booth at the American Association of Museum trade show featured a miniature two-foot-tall globe carefully crafted by CSSI’s artists. The piece is a miniature of the Chicago Scenic-designed and sponsored Cool Globe that was part of a large display of globes installed along Chicago’s lakefront last summer. It was made from a fiberglass casting and metal rings and finished with automotive paint, vinyls and jewels.

Chicago Scenic’s recently-added foam and hardcoating systems provide a new dimension to projects. Kevin and CSSI’s other scenic artists can create foam masses and shapes of any size, carve them into highly detailed sculptures and shapes, and spray them with the hardcoating system. The hardcoating creates a strong, durable finish with either a smooth glass finish or an orange-peel surface, depending on the desired outcome. After just 15 minutes, the hardcoat is cured and ready to be primed and custom painted.

Artists used these techniques to create a larger-than-life knife for C.H. Hanson, a 140-year-old tool company. Artists used wood, foam and hardcoat to create the knife, complete with moving blades, for display in Hanson’s trade show boot