Signs of Our Times

04/08/2026

At long last! The Cub Tavern lives again. Mounted today on the Smith Block at 1015 Main St., in downtown Boise, here's a slightly speedy video version of the installation and a grand view of the sign in relation to a few new neighbors. She's a beaut! Visit our website to learn more about our sign projects, and to help with a donation to see more historical neon revived and relit. www.signsofourtimes.org

03/11/2026

Artist Reception: April 3rd, 5:30 - Midnight
Show Runs April - May
21+ VALID ID REQUIRED

The deets:
Join Signs of Our Times at Visual Art Collective for a First Friday opening dedicated to the life and work of beloved Boise neon artist Wil Kirkman, who passed in late December. Wil’s creativity, wit, and unmistakable glow shaped the local art scene, and this exhibition brings together his iconic neon and enamel pieces alongside new works inspired by his spirit.
20 local and regional artists who knew or worked with Wil are creating rocket‑themed pieces that channel his love of space exploration, collaboration, and all things bright and imaginative. The show will also feature a collection of Wil’s own standout works. This is an opportunity to experience his artistry together, one more time. Most pieces will be available for purchase and the show is on display through May.

"First Fridays are always lively, and this one promises to be unforgettable. Come early, stay late, and celebrate Wil with friends, art, and whiskey." - Visual Art Collective

Artist roster:
Erin Cunningham
Troy Passey
Sue Latta
Noble Hardesty
April Van De Grift
Erik Payne
Julia Green
Popoctopus
Brighteye
Devin Kelley
Bobby Aden
Jule Pegan
Spooky Dinosaur
Heather Sprague
Todd Newman
Rick Friesen
Terry Vineyard
Kendall Vader
Noel Weber
John McMahon

https://www.facebook.com/share/185M8Lb9hq/

03/03/2026

Here's the long-awaited Cub Tavern sign, restored with care, in part, by our late friend, the talented artist Wil Kirkman of Rocket Neon. The re-lit neon is headed out to 'glow once again' in a new location on the Smith Block, in downtown Boise (1015 W. Main - set to open by June.) Signs of Our Time's Vangie Osborn kept the sign in storage for years and welcomes its revival in the local cityscape.

02/05/2026

12/23/2025

The art and sign communities are deeply saddened by the passing of Wil Kirkman, artist/owner of Rocket Neon in Boise.

The Cub Tavern, the Neon Grove, and countless neon signs and artworks will always be a testament to his artistry. We will be forever grateful. ❤️

• Wil happily acknowledges the crowd at our Neon Grove lighting ceremony, applauding his wondrous work. (Photo courtesy of Brandon Loureiro).
• The Neon Grove collection prior to installation.
• Wil looks over the restoration needs of the Mercury Cleaners sign.
• A final adjustment to the fully-restored Cub Tavern sign.
(Additional photos by Vangie Osborn.)

09/17/2025

🚀 Big news! Neon Grove (part of the Rebuild Linen Blocks on Grove Street) is a finalist for the Idaho Business Review2025 Top Projects Awards! 🏆

These awards honor projects making a real impact across Idaho, and we’re thrilled to be recognized. 💡✨

👉 Cast your vote for Neon Grove in the People’s Choice Award here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IBR-Top-Projects

08/12/2025

Our friend Jess Jackson shares his brightly lit perspective on preserving Idaho's vintage neon signs with his skillful eye and lens. We're grateful he shared his talents with Signs of Our Times! Read all about it in BoiseDev's latest.

An Idaho photographer is showcasing hundreds of vintage neon signs that once shone brightly outside popular Idaho landmarks, businesses, and more. Neon signs were a popular addition to the outside of businesses between 1920 and 1950 – but by the 1960s, businesses steered away from them due to cost...

08/01/2025

Look through the poles and branches and spy our Neon Grove's BLUE BELL AUTO PARK sign in its original location at the traveler's rest stop on Fairview and Cole in Boise - early 1930s. This photo courtesy of the Idaho Department of Transportation.

07/31/2025

We were delighted to be a 2025 Orchid Award recipient from Preservation Idaho! Our Neon Grove project is really just the begining of an aspirational list of art projects featuring historic Boise-based restored neon signs. Lend your support at https://signsofourtimes.org/support