Our team here at Benchmark Imaging & Display had the privilege of being chosen to help refresh the core exhibit at The National Hellenic Museum, “Greek Story in America.” The exhibit showcases the unique stories and experiences that helped to shape the lives of Greek Americans in the United States. It was a big job on a tight budget.

With newly laid carpet and a fresh coat of paint, we went to work with designer Karen Backe to fill the exhibit with dozens of graphic displays, each depicting personal stories that together represent the immigration experiences of Greek Americans.

“Greek Story in America” utilizes lightweight hanging graphics hung from the ceiling by stainless steel hanging wire. Sintra board graphic displays were blocked and cleated along the walls to help give the exhibit dimension. Decorative cut vinyl wall graphics in the shape of waves run along the base of the walls representing the journey overseas Greek immigrants made. We also provided self-adhesive vinyl lettering and  custom printed vinyl wall coverings for the larger mural images.

The world map was one of the most impressive pieces we produced for the exhibit. It was custom printed on 54″ wide self-adhesive vinyl and cut with precision using our i-Cut digital die cutting machine to ensure clean edges. Moreover, our team was able to precisely match the wall color to hide the edges of the vinyl, which can be seen on the map’s tiny islands and peninsulas.

The exhibit was illuminated by a number of different types of light fixtures which projected different colors of light at different angles and intensities. This additional challenge put our color management skills to the test as we had to ensure a uniform sense of color across all of our graphics in the exhibit.

From producing the graphics, navigating the complexities of color and lighting, and managing the onsite installation, the job went off without a hitch and kept the project within the constraints of its budget and timeline. Through successful project management, Benchmark was able to provide the National Hellenic Museum with exactly what it wanted.

Contacting Benchmark Imaging & Display was the one call the National Hellenic Museum had to make to ensure this project was a success. You owe it to yourself to get in touch with a Benchmark rep if you have a similar project on your to-do-list.

Next time you’re in Greek Town, stop in and visit the museum. It’s a great way to acquire an appreciation of one of the many ethnic heritages that make Chicago such a great city.

National Hellenic Museum, 333 S Halsted, Chicago