DEARBORN, Mich. — More than 100 VIP guests attended the opening party of the new exhibit “House Industries: A Type of Learning” on Thursday at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.
House Industries is a type foundry and design studio based in Yorklyn, Delaware. Some of their best-known works include the neon sign for TV’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, the Lucky Charms logo, The New Yorker magazine typography, Ann Taylor garment tags and the text used in the film “Mission: Impossible III”.
The special evening included remarks from House Industries executives, live music by Southern California-based jazz rock duo The Mattson 2, tasty food, refreshments and an opportunity to check out the new exhibit.
“It’s been 25 years of relying on instincts and intuition to create this,” said House Industries co-founder Andy Cruz. “Thanks to our parents who encouraged us.”
Rich Roat, the other co-founder added: “When you walk through these doors, there is color and loud music. I hope you take home something from this exhibit.”
All attendees received signed copies of Cruz and Roat’s latest book, House Industries: The Process is the Inspiration during the exhibit’s opening party. The 400-page hardcover book describes the history of the company from its early roots to today. It also features a foreword by famed Hollywood director J.J. Abrams.
“One thing we like you to take away from this, is that it has to do with our interest and it led us to do what we do,” said Ken Barber, letterer and typeface designer at House Industries. “I have two kids, eight and 11, and we want their potential to take them to another place.”
The new exhibit titled A Type of Learning features 7,500 square feet of space. It informs, teaches and empowers people to follow their interests and find personal fulfillment. Some of the artifacts on display include the 2017 Ford GT supercar, Ed “Big Daddy” Roth’s futuristic Mysterion show car, Evel Knievel’s Snake River Canyon jumpsuit and an original Apple 1 computer.
Patricia Mooradian, president and CEO of The Henry Ford, said she is proud to have the House Industries exhibit at the museum and that it makes a good fit.
The Shinola Runwell turntable is my favorite artifact within this exhibit. It features a custom design by Alex Rosson and artwork by Jeremy Dean. The sign below the turntable reads, “Thomas Edison invented the phonograph in 1877, but old ideas can defy the obsolescence by appealing to modern visual and audio sensibilities.”
I think people should check out this exhibit because it features a variety of artifacts from different mediums. It appeals to a wide audience. Cruz and Roat’s vision started out as a hobby and turned into a successful business.
House Industries: A Type of Learning will be on display through September 4. Tickets are free for members, $20 for seniors (62+), $22 for adults (12-61), $16.50 for children (3-11) and free for kids two and under.
The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is located at 20900 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn, MI 48124. For tickets and more information, call 800-835-5237 or visit www.thehenryford.org.
