Who We Are
History
On January 1st, 1983, Lawrin Rosen founded a company called ARTeffects, with the goal of setting new standards in the sign industry for innovation, skill, and artistry. Training in fine art, commercial design, and architectural history combined with practical experience in outdoor advertising laid the groundwork for a unique enterprise.
As the company expanded so did its scope, growing to include multiple facets of architectural fabrication and corporate art. Entering the 21st century, ARTeffects edited its ‘street name’, or DBA, to ARTfx for simpler online identification.
Today, ARTfx designs and manufactures award-winning work from our five-acre location in Bloomfield, Connecticut. The facility houses the most advanced printing, cutting, and forming equipment for work featured in numerous publications throughout the world.
The people behind the work
LAWRIN ROSEN
PRESIDENT
An industry innovator in architectural sign design, technical illumination and specialty finishes, Lawrin's lifelong love affair with creative sign manufacturing has propelled ARTfx' reputation to worldwide recognition.
Melissa Boehm
Executive VP / GM
Beginning twenty-five years ago as Assistant to the President, Melissa mastered multiple fronts of ARTfx' manufacturing and computer technology. Her management of all daily operations is indispensable.
ISTVAN DECSY
VP / PRODUCTION
A student of sign industry masters, Istvan is a vital link from old to new. His depth of knowledge is daunting – from masonry through metal fabrication to expert finishing and technical engineering, he does it all and with incomparable precision.
Carlos Tapia
Road Crew Manager
He started on the top… hanging billboards for the outdoor advertising trade. At ARTfx, Carlos controls many of the more involved ARTfx installations, making certain the end result matches the plan.
Jill Clifford
VP / ACCOUNTING & HR
After graduating from Northeastern University, Jill worked as a senior paralegal in metro Boston. At ARTfx, she oversees accounting, human resources, and office administration… a perfect combination for her naturally friendly nature. Aside from work, Jill spent two decades in classical ballet, performing throughout New England.
CHEYNEY BARRIEAU
VP SALES / MARKETING
A former fashion model, current professional photographer, and social media expert, Cheyney perfectly balances ARTfx' front line. A flair for contemporary marketing coupled with years in corporate and retail sales support her connection with an up and coming generation of clientele.
Mike Savio
Chief Estimator / Major Projects
A disciplined numbers guy, Mike arrived at ARTfx having skills in project management, material purchasing and architectural estimating. Beyond preparing quotations, Mike assists with project coordination. In his spare time, he plays drums in a band and he works out daily beginning at 2:30 AM!
Matt Haskell
National Project & Permit Manager
Permitting, like competitive sports, requires persistence. Before joining ARTfx, Matt managed sports facilities at Manhattan College, Boston College, Yale University, and UConn. While earning a BS in sports management and a MS in organizational leadership, Matt played baseball as a catcher, pitcher, and first baseman.
Rob DeSalle
Business Development
Rob describes himself as, "An extractor of simple strategies from complex ideas." A second-generation sign pro with over 30 years experience, he has directed numerous trade show programs, e-commerce websites, and software development in the USA and abroad. At ARTfx, Rob brings a global perspective to business development. He is also an ace photographer and fly fisherman.
Dan DeSalle
Project Manager and Design
A lifetime veteran of the industry, Dan grew up in his father's sign business where he specialized in many facets of the trade. Beyond managing some of ARTfx' more challenging projects, Dan specializes in neon. Additionally, he has an extensive design background. In his spare time, Dan enjoys working on home and construction projects.
Michaela Othmani
Inside Sales, Project Management
A Louisiana native, Michaela moved to Connecticut via Mississippi, where she coordinated sales and production at a boutique sign company. With a BFA in sculpture and drawing, Michaela describes herself as "A creative-minded person who loves working with people to bring their visions to reality." Custom fabrication and sign work have furthered her personal artistic exploration. Outside of the ARTfx shop, Michaela enjoys painting, sewing, and roller derby.
TRACI SHEINTOP
Executive Project Manager
After many years coordinating a family business, administration comes naturally to Traci, a seven-year ARtfx veteran. In addition, a master's degree in counseling is often a valued asset when organizing projects for the company's top executive.
PAULA HANSEN
DESIGN MANAGER
Starting as the company's screen printer, Paula honed a slew of technical skills including drafting and digital design, eventually taking charge of the design department. She is also a valued advisor to the president.
Ben Sullivan
DESIGNER / 3D Rendering
With an Arts degree focusing in Graphic Design and Sculpture. Ben began his career in drafting, carpentry and CNC production at a company specializing in themed attractions and stage sets. In his spare time, Ben plays drums for a popular rock band.
Sara Lock
Graphics / Project Manager
Whether printed, stenciled or lettered with vinyl, the majority of ARTfx' work passes through Sa's hands before it leaves the facility. Additionally, she oversees all of our mural installations, window graphics and vehicle wrap applications.
Courtney Moren
Graphics Expert
As a third-generation sign maker, Courtney brings a well-recognized history of design and fabrication experience to ARTfx. She attended Rhode Island School of Design, Maryland Institute College of Art, and holds a BFA from UMass Amherst. Courtney's years spent coordinating corporate sign branding packages bred her keen attention to detail down to intricate vinyl assembly and precision color matching for large format printing.
Julie Talbot
Graphic Assembly
A relative newcomer to the sign industry, Julie's background as a fine artist contributes a fresh outlook at ARTfx. She's become immediately in all aspects of sign design including the history of hand-crafted signs and sign typography. Besides pursuing artwork in her spare time, Julie is studying piano and has her eyes set on learning the drums.
Nia Martin
Archivist
Nia digitizes, scans, and organizes 44 years of ARTfx files in preparation for her future career on the ARTfx front line. With a master's degree in public administration, she has work for the State of Connecticut for several years while remaining busy at ARTfx after hours and on weekends. Outside of her two occupations, Nia is a frequently photographed model.
Irv Suprenaut
Lead Painter
Despite 45 years of experience in the spray-painting and powder-coating trades, Irv states with modest reflection, "Whether I've been doing this for a long time or not, I want to learn something new every day."
Joshua Krapf
Paint Technician
Joshua graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in marketing and finance. In a shift of interest, he switched paths to pursue a career in spray painting and specialty finishing. That move led him to ARTfx where he now serves as an expert painting technician. Outside of work, Josh is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys fishing.
Mike Bastis
Master Mechanic / Fabrication - Engineering
"I bring renderings to reality." It's a humble claim for a multi-skilled veteran of the trade. Starting in 1976 as a helper in his father's sign shop, Mike heads ARTfx' engineering and CNC machining. He also "pinch-hits" for every position in the shop.
Heather Abiera
Master Journeyman
A graduate of the Art Institute of Chicago with a BFA in glass blowing and sculpture, Heather began her ARTfx career as a neon tube bender. 15 years later, she leads our fabrication department, managing nearly every critical aspect of the company's most complex projects.
Jim St. Germain
Master Mechanic
Having 33 years of experience in both building and installing signs, Jim is a rare commodity. With knowledge of the trade from beginning to end, he comments, "Having been with several sign companies over the years, there is no doubt in my mind that ARTfx has the most talented personnel and innovative designs of all." When not at work, Jim is a big dog fan, and he loves fishing, boating, and bicycling.
Mike DelGiudice
Lead Fabricator / Letters & Glass
Known as the "The Glassman," Mike's career began many years back as a glazier in his father's glass shop. Now, a long-term ARTfx veteran, he fabricates illuminated letters and oversees any projects involving glass.
Lashauna Tate
Fabrication / Assembly
After years in the pharmaceutical field, Lashauna (Shauna) switched career paths to join "Women Can Weld," an apprenticeship program offering opportunities in construction trades. Prior to her fabrication position at ARTfx, LaShauna worked as a supervisory technician in the boat building industry.
Eric Dickison
Sign Fabricator
30 years of aerospace welding experience amassed bedrock for Erik's new career in sign manufacturing. As evidenced in his ever-increasing project contributions, Erik humbly describes his ascension merely as a result of generous assistance from co-workers. After a typical ARTfx day, Erik relaxes with friends, and enjoys gaming and podcasting.
Franklyn Espinoza
Installation Foreman
Calling Franklyn "handy" is an understatement. Not only can he build a house from the ground up, but he can take apart and reassemble a vehicle without consultation. If you see Franklyn working on a mechanical problem, most likely he has a solution. After hours, Franklyn enjoys doing what he does at work – fixing things.
Jerry Castillo
Service / Installation
With a degree in mechanical engineering, Jerry brings extensive experience to the ARTfx service and installation team. Prior to joining our road crew, he worked as a professional mechanic and bus driver. When not at ARTfx, Jerry enjoys playing and watching soccer.
Sergio Aristega
Installation Foreman
For many years Sergio was involved with multiple aspects of construction. From foundations to framing, he did it all… in both Ecuador and his new homeland of America. A strong work ethic and multiple building skills makes Sergio a perfect fit for ARTfx' installation and service team.
Jean Carlos Tapia
Installation
Our Installation Manager's son, Jean Carlos (John), follows in his father's footsteps. At ARTfx, using some previous electrical and remodeling experience, he installs and services all types of signs. So far, John loves the trade and looks forward to continued advancement – a formula for instant admiration from his co-workers and most significantly, his father's pride.
Keith Marshall
Facilities Manager
After receiving an associate's degree of applied science in horticulture, Keith cashed in the study of leaves for a bachelor's degree in accounting. It all comes in handy at ARTfx, where he assists with the property along with purchasing. After work, Keith uses his carpentry skills to fix up and sell houses.
“I personally sought out Lawrin for the project because I was looking for the best in the business, and that is exactly what we got.”
Kyle LeBlanc · Project Manager, Engelberth Construction
Careers
Work where the craft still matters
We hire artisans, not order-takers. Welders, neon benders, finishers, and designers who care how a thing gets made.
Tell us about the project.
Four decades of design, fabrication, and installation, under one roof.