A Closer Look at Tom Fruin's Neon Sign for Brooklyn's Wythe Hotel

If North Brooklynites haven't yet had a cocktail in the swank bar at Wythe Hotel, they've at least noticed the newest addition to the neighborhood: A fifty-foot-tall, glowing "HOTEL" sign mounted vertically on the corner of Wythe and N. 11th in Williamsburg. As it's virtually impossible to not see, we though we'd get a closer look and find out more.

The five-story, 72-room hotel, a turn-of-the-century factory and former cooperage (barrel and cask-making) that officially opened on May 1st, commissioned artist Tom Fruin to design and build a permanent sculptural installation for them. As source material, Fruin used old found metal signs from New York City.

"The signs, featuring hand-painted fruit and pizza, air conditioner repair advertisements, warnings and phone numbers, were found all over town from a demolished pizza deli in DUMBO to a converted paper supply warehouse on the bowery. Many were liberated from construction dumpsters or discovered in the street. One sign features 3D artwork by graffiti artist Dan Witz, dating to the mid-90s."

After collecting enough bright, text-heavy signage, Fruin hand-riveted the pieces together to serve as the base for red neon tubing. Fruin's previous work uses similar materials, most often collaged with other found objects.

Head over to Fruin's site to see more work--though might we suggest tackling its immensity for yourself by perusing a few of our Welding & Fabrication classes.