An art gallery and artist collective in downtown Decatur, Indiana

Started in 2017 by sculptor Greg Mendez and builder Shaun Schirack, ACE 40.8 was created in historic downtown Decatur, Indiana with a clear goal in mind: to unite local artists and grow Decatur’s creative community. Using recycled materials, they turned an old factory building into studio spaces and classrooms, inviting artisans to set up workshops in the renovated area.

I was one of ACE 40.8’s first members, and had my own studio in the gallery. When they approached me to create a logo and some branding materials, they explained that the logo needed to be fairly simple, but still have enough character that it evoked an artistic image.

The ACE 40.8 circular logo is inspired by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, as the colors can be easily changed to match an art show that comes to the gallery. The teal color of the primary logo was sourced from the original doors inside the building that were painted with lead-based teal paint.