Symbols

Art-deco style
Iconic marquee
Celebration token

All that is remaining of the downtown landmark Chief Theater in Pocatello is this restored sign located in a parking lot. I wonder to what extend it is now considered a symbol of cultural appropriation. Given that different cultures naturally interact and borrow or absorb ideas, how precisely can “cultural appropriation” be defined?

“We think the restoration of that sign is extremely important to the history of this community. We’re going to move ahead with it.” – Randy Dixon

Honorable achievement
Entertainment lounge
Legendary performers

Located in the historic President Hotel, the Drum Room restaurant and lounge is famous and unique. Opened in 1941, the swanky venue hosted an impressive array of celebrity performers including Benny Goodman, Glen Miller, Frank Sinatra, Patsy Cline and more. Anyone who was performing in Kansas City back ‘in the day’ would come to the Drum Room.

“A classic, classy cocktail lounge that plays up Kansas City’s heritage as a slightly seedy entertainment destination of decades gone by.” – Will S.

Highly specialized
Linguistic exuberance
Fashionable accessories

Symbols and textures combine in conveying meaning. In the abstract semantic systems found in cultural constructs, such symbols are associated with aspects of the factual world as perceived. As the philosopher Augustine stipulated, a sign is something that shows itself to the senses and something other than itself to the mind.

“Boutique is a French word that simply means half of what you expected at twice the price.” – mikesaidwhat

Leasing center
Fitness experience
Twists and turns

Contrasts between concepts can provide signification as the city narrative offers many interesting juxtapositions, unintentionally elevating the urban living experience.

“We pride ourselves on offering the best experience possible to everyone that comes through our doors.” – Kirk Galiani

Music calendar
Complete selection
Advance notice

Organizing symbols in a colorful chalk grid, this variable hand drawn typographic display is part of the ambiance at the Jazz Corner of New Orleans.

“Madame Lily Devalier always asked “Where are you?” in a way that insinuated that there were only two places on earth one could be: New Orleans and somewhere ridiculous.” – Tom Robbins

Under the sign
Aggressive consumerism
Neon parabolas

Certain weather conditions can transform common suburban blight from its unappealing physical manifestations into a surrealistic dreamscape. It is good to be an artist.

“Coca cola and McDonalds is spreading. Just like hunger and poverty.” – Tim Goossens

Minimal staff
Casual atmosphere
Popular place

Cool corner sign, but only average food is offered.

“My love is pizza shaped. Won’t you have a slice? It’s circular, so there’s enough to go around.” – Dora J. Arod

Iconic venue
Gastropub hot spot
Cosmetic in nature

Fading signs painted on the sides of buildings often outlive their subject matter. The city is in constant flux as a physical response of occasion cadence at an organic level.

“We’re tying this all together, these chef-driven meals with delicious sweet treats and cocktails.” – Ian Vaughn

Present occasion
Elimination of alternatives
Analogous considerations

While wandering around the city, language dictates unconscious presupposition of thought and at critical junctures governs behavior.

“Single words, each with its dictionary meaning, and single sentences, each bounded by full stops, suggest the possibility of complete abstraction from any environment.” – Alfred North Whitehead

On the corner
Light life happening
Heart of downtown

Erected in 1950, this neon sign is now considered an important cultural artifact. In May of 2014, Coca-Cola completed a $20,000 restoration of the unique historical icon.

“The sign gives cause to pause and reflect on our history and applaud 66 years of collective efforts for progression that the city is experiencing today.” – Melanie Clark