Wrangell IGA’s New Sign Features a Unique Artistic Collaboration

When Caroline Bangs and her family took over a coastal grocery store in Wrangell, Alaska, one of their first actions was to install a new sign that reflected the unique landscape of their town. Several years later, the original sign’s artwork had faded and needed to be replaced, but Bangs was determined to keep the community spirit visible in the store’s façade.

Wrangell IGA's weathered sign had seen better days. Photo: Doug Walter.

In creating Wrangell IGA’s new sign, Bangs had some specific requirements.

“We wanted to make a sign that would withstand the weather more. We are oceanfront property in Alaska so we wanted something we wouldn’t have to replace every couple years,” she said.

More importantly, the new sign needed to have a connection to the town. The store’s first sign had been painted by a local artist, so it seemed fitting for the town’s creatives to be involved in the project.

Wrangell IGA found its new designer in an unusual place — the local high school. Student Sean McDonald took on the sign redesign as part of his senior project. A relative of the owner’s family, who, along with his grandfather, had worked inside the store for years, McDonald was trusted with store’s exterior.

“We worked together in the design,” said Bangs. “He gave me a few options and I made a couple adjustments like making the letters larger. Sean was excited about the project, and he was easy to work with.”

After careful planning, construction, and placement, Wrangell IGA’s new sign was hung in August. Featuring bold letters, a clean background, and the familiar red oval IGA logo, the sign has quickly become popular with the community.

The new sign is bright and weather-resistant. Photo: Caroline Bangs.