Museum Exhibit Graphics and Donor Recognition
Inside Our Work with Chaffey Community Museum of Art and HMC Architects
Bringing Stories to Life with Museum Exhibit Graphics
Transforming walls into immersive experiences
Custom museum exhibit graphics do more than simply decorate; they tell stories, spark curiosity, and guide visitors through the rich tapestry of history, culture, and creativity. At A&I, we’ve seen firsthand how the right graphics can elevate a museum experience from ordinary to unforgettable.
That’s exactly what we helped the Chaffey Community Museum of Art (CCMA) do in partnership with HMC Architects. Their latest temporary exhibit, located in the Main Gallery, “Designing Our Community: HMC Architects in the Pomona Valley,” showcased 85 years of architectural legacy. We brought it to life with thoughtful, well-crafted visuals, including wall coverings, custom vinyl lettering, double-sided ultra board diorama, and dimensional lettering.
This exhibition offers a rare glimpse into previously unseen photographs from HMC’s archives, documenting the firm’s pioneering work through the lens of legendary architectural photographers Julius Shulman and Leland Y. Lee.
Design That Inspires and Educates
How graphics help museums connect with visitors
Museum visitors crave connection. The right visuals, well-placed and designed, can create meaningful moments and lasting impressions. In this exhibit, several large-format museum wall coverings helped illustrate how HMC Architects shaped the built environment of the Pomona Valley.
Ontario City Library: Wallcovering
A&I printed a striking 11′ x 10′ x 8′ wall graphic of the Ontario City Library exhibit, packed with data and visuals. Four framed photographs added depth, while the overall design offered clear educational value and bold visual impact.
Ontario Savings and Loan: Wallcovering
From there, visitors moved through the Ontario Savings and Loan exhibit, a multi-wall journey that included a 14′ x 9′ wall covering installation, creating the illusion of looking into a historic bank through the use of 3D illusion graphics.
Ontario International Airport: Wallcovering
The Ontario International Airport exhibit used wall vinyl and framed images to immerse viewers in local architectural history. A&I printed and installed in two panels to work around a column in front of the wall. The first panel was a strip down the left side, 1′ 6.5″ x 8′ 2″ high. The second panel was an expansive 15′ 10.5″ x 8′ 2″.
Every element had a purpose: to inform, guide, and inspire.
Creative Material Choices for Lasting Impact
Using ultra board, vinyl, and foam lettering to enhance exhibits
Materials matter as much as message. For this project, A&I used a variety of print media to bring dimension and energy to each installation.
Some key pieces included:
- 10 double-sided ultra board panels (2′ x 6′) were used to create an eye-catching diorama
- Custom-cut 5″ tall dimensional foam lettering for the exhibit using ½” Ultra Board in black and white
- Matte vinyl lettering for informational text were applied to several walls to enhance the educational value of the museum exhibit
These materials helped us achieve both aesthetic impact and functional clarity.
Scalable Solutions for Temporary and Permanent Exhibit Installations
Easy-to-update museum exhibit graphics that fit any budget
Whether an exhibit runs for two weeks or two years, graphics should be easy to install, remove, and update. Our work with CCMA was designed with flexibility in mind. Temporary wall coverings and vinyl lettering could be adjusted and removed without damaging walls or displays. The dimensional elements, such as wall covering and foam lettering, added permanence and depth without requiring complex infrastructure.
This approach enables institutions of any size to create professional-looking exhibits that can evolve over time, all while staying within budget.
Going Beyond the Exhibit: Additional Museum Printing Essentials
Support materials that round out the visitor experience
At A&I, we don’t stop at wall graphics. We know that museums require a comprehensive suite of printed materials to operate efficiently and effectively, serving their visitors. That’s why we also offer:
- Directional signage
- Exhibit fact sheets, printed newsletters, and brochures
- Banners, A-frame sidewalk signs and call-to-action displays
- Flyers promoting upcoming exhibits, events, and donation opportunities
All of these pieces play a role in creating a seamless, informative, and enjoyable museum visit and branding opportunity.
Elevating Sponsors and Donors with Recognition Signage
Acknowledging the people behind the art
Sponsorships and donations are crucial to a museum’s growth. Proper sponsor and donor recognition signage doesn’t just say “thank you”—it shows appreciation with professionalism and style.
A&I can help museums highlight exhibit sponsors and long-time donors through high-impact recognition signage, dedication walls, and plaques. When sponsors and donors feel seen and valued, they’re more likely to continue their support. That’s why recognition signage matters.
A Lasting Impression in the Pomona Valley
Honoring local architecture and legacy through custom graphics
HMC Architects has played a foundational role in the Pomona Valley—from schools and colleges to hospitals and public buildings. Their impact is visible across generations. The CCMA exhibit provided the public with a rare opportunity to view never-before-seen photographs, architectural renderings, and stories from HMC’s 85-year history.
A&I was honored to contribute to that story through custom museum exhibit graphics, turning static spaces into dynamic narratives.
And we’re here to help others do the same.
📣 Let's Create Your Next Exhibit Together
Are you planning a museum exhibit, donor recognition wall, or public display? Let A&I help you bring your vision to life. Our team is ready to design, print, and install graphics that inform, inspire, and leave a lasting impression.
