The Sign Center is excited to announce our latest sign partnership with the Dominican Nuns of Summit, N.J. This monastery chose a carved and painted sign for their main entrance to reflect the history, solemnity and purpose of the monastery.
Carved signs make the perfect signage choice for religious and cultural institutions because they reflect an institution's historical significance, match the purpose of the organization, and help an organization stand out from other signs.
Historical Significance
The Dominican Nuns of Summit, N.J. first opened their order in 1919. The monastery belongs to the American Perpetual Rosary, which was first established in 1891. Their roots go back to Calais, France in 1880, where a community of cloistered nuns dedicated themselves to the Perpetual Rosary. Looking back even further, the Dominican order of nuns was established by St. Dominic de Guzman in France in 1216.
An institution with such a long and venerated history needs a sign that reflects this history. Neon, plastic, metal and other materials do not carry the same elegance and sense of history that carved and painted signs do. A carved sign feels weighty and looks like it can stand the same test of time the institution has so far.
In fact, new technologies for carved signs mean these signs do last longer than other signs or older carved signs made of wood. Today's carved signs are made of a high-density foam that stands up to weather better than wood but still looks as elegant and refined as wood.
Matching the Mission
The Dominican Nuns of Summit, N.J. and their Monastery of Our Lady of the Rosary offer a different experience for visitors than other visitor attractions. It offers a place for religious reflection, to learn about religious life, or engage in service with the nuns.
The carved and painted sign reflects the solemn nature of the monastery while also welcoming visitors to the monastery. A different material wouldn't as closely mirror the cultural experience visitors would expect of a monastery.
Call Attention to Yourself
Another benefit of carved and painted signs is how they help an organization stand out from other signs and organizations in the area. A carved sign doesn't work for every business and choosing one says something about your business.
For the Dominican Nuns, the carved sign they chose helps them stand out from commercial businesses, government offices or traditional tourist attractions. At the same time, the sign still beckons visitors because it stands out from other signs in the area.
If you have looked for a way to help your organization stand out from the crowd in a way that honors your tradition and history, consider a carved and painted sign, just as the Dominican Nuns of Summit, N.J. did.
