Melt, Artistic License Taken

• Dana Depew
• New Art by Dana Depew for Melt Independence

It was only a matter of time before local artist Dana DePew, who has dedicated much time and effort in repurposing letters from old signs, would work for local restauranteur Matt Fish, who is an avid collector of old signs, displaying them throughout his restaurants.

A match just waiting for the right opportunity, it finally presented itself in the form of two bare spaces above doorways at Melt Bar & Grilled in Independence. The “welcoming” signs will be installed in a few weeks.

Anyone that has been to any one of their four (soon to be five with Columbus) locations knows Fish likes to give the eye, just like his sandwiches, more and not less. The walls are filled with signs, ranging anywhere from kitsch vintage to the slightly banal signs of today, along with lit-up icons representing every holiday you’ve ever celebrated and a few you wish you hadn’t.

Fish started his affiliation with local artists when he hired John G to develop posters for the monthly specials. The posters have become much anticipated among the dedicated followers of all things Melt set. John G now handles the creation of all print material for Fish.

The larger-than-life, quasi-apocalyptic murals of Cleveland celebrities in the waiting areas by Jake Kelly also define the space as a home town place. And, demonstrates further Fish’s commitment to local art. Fish wants you to feel at home as you sink into one of their larger-than-life sammies.

This article appears in Jan 16-22, 2013.