By signcraft
Posted on Monday, October 6th, 2025
More than one sign maker has told SignCraft that getting together with a group of like-minded sign people—like the Letterhead meets—has been a game changer for their work and their business. That was the case for Ross Trimmer of Sure Hand Signs, who started going to gatherings in 2016.
In 2019, Ross decided to host his own small meeting. It’s grown each year and the upcoming event will bring close to 30 sign makers together in his Richmond, Virginia, shop.
“Those meets really inspired me and influenced my work,” he says. “They were such great experiences that I wanted to host one myself with a focus on sharing techniques related to gilding on glass. In 2018, I bought some equipment so that I could screen print the glass for the sample pieces and set up a small darkroom for exposing screens.
“Each year, we do a different glass panel. I do a design and reverse screen the black outlines and gilded brightlines on the 16-by-20-in. glass panels. Everyone does their own gilding and painting, then has a nice piece to take home.”
That’s Ross at left with the 2025 panel in progress.
“Many sign painters work out of their homes or very small shops, so I’m glad I have the space to host a meet. Not everyone can do that. This upcoming October’s meet will be just about capacity for my 1200-sq.-ft. shop. Since my space is limited, I’ve had to keep the meets by invitation only.
“The meet is hosted by a loose organization we call the ‘Gold Workers Union.’ It’s not just my meet—it’s possible only through the contributions of everyone that comes through.”
Like many Letterhead events, the meet runs three days, starting on a Friday. Ross has a large space behind the shop, so many who come camp on site.
One meet that has been a major inspiration to Ross is the California Conclave, which was first hosted by the late Rick Glawson. A few years ago, Ross named his meet as the Virginia Conclave in honor of that event. He encourages others to host events that bring sign people together. You can start small—even a one-day meeting at your shop is a way to get the ball rolling.
“I’ve learned so much at these meets over the years,” Ross says, “that I want to give others that same opportunity. I hope that other sign people will do the same. It takes some work to organize a meet, but it’s so good to get together with others like this. You learn new techniques and compare notes about doing the work and running your business. Everyone shares what they know and we all benefit. It’s a lot of work, but it’s a lot of fun!”
The 2023 project
The 2021 project
The 2019 project
The Conclave participants take a break for a group photo.
