I was relieved I was able to make it in to Kaleid Gallery before the closing of the Rey Giese show. If you don't know, Giese was a sign painter from San Jose. We don't have too many claims-to-fame here beyond computer chips so it was a real pleasure to pop in and see the walls covered in vintage signs painted by Giese. If you have the time, the show is open until tomorrow, February 28th noon-7pm.

Rey Giese installation. You can see the incredible variety here.

Rey Giese was incredibly prolific. Born in San Jose in Sept. 25, 1919, Giese passed away just last year. He worked his way through a career in sign painting and it seemed if you were walking downtown in the 1930s, you would easily spot one of his signs. There is just something about dedicating your life to mastering a craft that I find so honorable. The focus and steady hand needed for sign painting is something to be admired as well. You really should go see this legend's work before the show ends.

The show also features some local artists and their super interpretations of Giese's work.

Read the write-ups in the images below for more information on how he got started. You can also read this article to find out more about Rey Giese.