Behind the Layers: New Wooden Sign Series on Display at Logan Square Studio
A big goal of mine for 2025 was to have a larger scale art show. To invest in myself and produce larger pieces beyond the stickers, postcards, and souvenirs that I typically make and love. After meeting Jan, the owner of Logan Square Pilates and Core, at a Logan Square Chamber event last year, I knew their new space could be the perfect location since it’s right in the neighborhood but also a large space that could well accommodate my vision.
Logan Square Pilates + Core - 2774 N Milwaukee Ave
It’s been so fun to see my designs translated to this new format and receive such positive feedback. I started small with the wooden signs, making some for friends as gifts. It wasn’t until this show started to come together that I really allowed my vision to start to take shape and was ready to invest in my own ideas.
The art show is a gift to myself from my business. I started a little tradition of having my business gift me something special for my birthday last year. The parameters are simple. I ask “What is something that I’ve been personally wanting to do for a while but just haven’t pulled the trigger on or wanted to spend money on?” It could be something that doesn’t quite make financial sense but feels right in my gut or something that feels a bit scary to go all in on. Last year, my answer was neon signs - I got two made (the Chicago Skyline and Pasta Lover designs). This year, I went a bit bigger, and landed on the idea of an art show. It’s been a gift to myself, but also a gift to my business since I’m allowing a new product line to take shape and reigniting some passion for creating.
This art show has pushed me outside of my comfort zone and allowed me to bring over 20 designs to life in a layered, wooden sign format. I am excited for these signs to decorate homes, offices, and small businesses, bringing in positive energy and color. One sign was already purchased as an anniversary gift. Another purchased to commemorate time lived in Chicago. I am excited to see how these continue to resonate with people and what larger-scale projects these may lead to.
See the wooden signs in person in Logan Square, Chicago!
Artist Reception: Friday, December 12th from 7-9pm at Logan Square Pilates + Core (2774 N Milwaukee Avenue). Accessible via public transit by the Blue Line train (Logan Square stop, Spaulding exit) and 76 Diversey and 56 Milwaukee bus lines.
Signs will be on display from November 2025 through January 2026 as part of Logan Square Pilates and Core’s Artist in Residence Program. Stop by during open hours to browse the artwork on display and shop locally. Signs are also available for custom order here.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Chelsie Tamms is an award-winning lettering artist and designer based out of Chicago. She is the owner of Lettering Works, a branding studio that connects businesses to their audience through creativity and strategy. With over 10 years of practice of lettering and design, Chelsie is passionate about craft and intention. When she’s not designing, she can be found eating ice cream, traveling internationally, or starting a new passion project.
