From Rocky Point to Del’s: The Providence Artist Keeping Rhode Island’s Most Iconic Signs Alive

In a world where we are absolutely surrounded by digital prints and AI, so many of us crave and really appreciate things that are still handmade. Providence artist Jayson Salvi is keeping what many see as a dying art alive with his hand painted signs. "I've been painting here in the city 26 years now. Started out part-time while I worked a full-time retail job. Then the pandemic hit and I just took it full-time, and I have not looked back," Salvi said.

Reviving a Dying Art in the Digital Age

From florists to coffee shops and even a bit of nostalgia (i.e. Benny's), Jayson Salvi's Hand Painted Signs can be seen in various locations. "Right now, I have a bunch of signs displayed over at Track 15 and a lot of them are Rhode Island nostalgia," he said. "Current brands, old brands, like Rocky Point. I mean, everybody has a story about Rocky Point. A sign just evokes a memory for so many people."

READ MORE: The Famous Taste of Rocky Point Is Back in Warwick, RI

Celebrating Rhode Island Nostalgia Through Paint

What are some of his most popular creations? "Definitely the Narragansett signs are some of the most popular, Del's, the Wienerama one," Salvi said.

"Don't risk a felony and steal a sign, I'll just make it for you," he joked. "It's cheaper than bail money."

"I have all the universities, RIPTA, Wright's Dairy Farm, the Ocean Mist. Everything is tied together here," Salvi said about Rhode Island. The area is full of Salvi's signs. "If you've ever had a drink and gone up to the rooftop at the G behind the bars, their logo, I've done that. Rogue Island, Strive Kitchen and Bar on Admiral Street and their new cafe that's been open about a year."

Jayson Salvi

Transforming Local Storefronts Across Providence

A creation from Jayson Salvi's Hand Painted Signs is much more than just a sign on the wall, it's a labor of love. "There's something about helping a business transform a storefront that's been vacant or bringing their dream from paper to reality," Salvi said. "You see it in person and you go 'my dream is coming true' and that means a lot to me. To see people who are generally just thrilled. Once you have your sign up, it's real."