Taverns to Trades: American Folk Art Signs

September 17 – December 21, 2025

A rich history of Cape Cod, the Islands, and the Southcoast region is brought back to life in Cahoon Museum’s Taverns to Trades: American Folk Art Signs. The exhibition highlights the centuries-old artistry of tavern and trade signs known and loved by the region. These signs reflect the trades and travel destinations of their times and represent a wide array of woodworking, painting, gilding, and welding techniques from skilled craftspeople and artisans. Inspired by these historic examples, contemporary artists Jeff Dinardo of Cotuit and Pete Vogel from Nutmegger Studio in Maine continue these traditions through woodworking, sign painting, and antiquing processes.