Weather-resistant effigies.  Enamel paint on hand-cut wood.

 Local small business signs.  Handmade and weather resistant.

I do accept a limited amount of hex commissions throughout the course of the year.  Below I've listed some answers to frequently asked questions:

What is a hex sign?

A hex sign is a Pennsylvania Dutch folk art tradition dating back to the mid 1800s that grew in popularity as barns became more plentiful in the area.  They're circular paintings rooted in the traditional German "fraktur" folk designs; some are talismanic, some are merely decorative.  My hexes are loose interpretations of these paintings done with respect to the makers that came before me.  

How much do they cost?

The price is subjective, depending upon the size and intricacy.  The starting price for a small sized commission (usually 14" or smaller) is $325.  Pricing for a medium-sized hex (usually between 18"-25") starts around $400-$500, depending.  Large hexes start at $600.  Factors that affect the pricing include the nature of the request, amount of times I have to sketch the design, etc.  None of the above estimates include shipping.

Some of your designs are relatively simple, why do they cost so much?

Hex Signs are exterior works of art made to endure the elements throughout the seasons.  Each one is hand-cut, sanded, primed, and sealed with professional grade 1shot signpainter's enamel.  It is a lengthy process, and I don't cut corners (literally, haha).

Will my hex sign weather over time?

Though I take every precaution to minimize weathering as much as possible, at the end of the day, it is paint on wood and will eventually show signs of deterioration (this is part of the beauty of hand-painted objects!).  It could take a few years or many more, depending on your climate and how much exposure to moisture and sun it gets.  I can say that the hex signs that have been hanging in my neighborhood the past few years look as fresh as the day they were installed!

I've never commissioned a piece of art before, what's the process like?

First you tell me a little bit about your idea, and I decide if the imagery is something that would work well with my artistic sensibility.  If I accept the commission, I'll start with doing a few rough sketches to create an agreed-upon design.  This part of the process is unpaid, meaning the sketch will not be a full color representation of the finished piece.  It will be a rough draft that is bound to change slightly as the piece develops.  Once you've signed off on my idea, half of the payment is required up front for me to begin working on it.  I will periodically send pics of the hex as I'm working and welcome some reasonable critique, but ultimately the major aesthetic choices are mine to make.  You've hired an artist to bring your vision to life because you admire their work and trust their decision making!  The second half of the payment is required once the hex is completed, and BEFORE it is shipped out.  I will send you a tracking number once it has been shipped, and the item will be insured for it's dollar amount.  I am not responsible for lost or stolen packages.

How long will it take?

That depends on how busy I am, but at the very least two weeks (not including shipping time).  Prepping the plywood and working with enamel paint requires a lot of drying time between the layers of application.  If you're interested in commissioning a piece as a gift during the holiday season, it's best to contact me as far in advance as possible.

I don't actually plan on hanging my hex out-of-doors, are there other options?

Yes!  I can make you a shiny latex-based hex sign that's just as beautiful as the enamel ones.  In fact, if you're planning on hanging your hex inside I'd prefer to not use enamel paint if it's unnecessary.  Working with 1shot is potentially hazardous and requires proper ventilation and wearing a respirator -  it's the perfect paint for the job when sun and snow are a factor, but if your hex is going in your kitchen I'd just as soon skip it altogether! 

I think I'd like to order a hex sign, how do I deal with payment and shipping?

My Paypal account at Gina Favano Art and checks sent to my address are both acceptable forms of payment.  My email address is gfavano@gmail.com.

I ship Fedex and charge a flat rate fee which includes insurance for the $ amount of the piece.  The cost of shipping depends upon what part of the country you live in and what size hex is being sent to you.  I cannot ship out of the U.S. at this time, apologies for that.