In late 2019, I was commissioned to recreate monumental historic signage for the 50th anniversary of the occupation of Alcatraz.

From November 1969 to June 1971, Native American protestors occupied Alcatraz Island. The activists were forcible removed by federal law enforcement, but the activism sparked the Native American Rights Movement.

At the entrance to the island, the protestors painted over a penitentiary-era regulatory sign, but after 50 years of salt and sun, the sign and political “graffiti” were deteriorating and almost illegible. Consulting with the island’s historic preservationist, I hand-lettered the historic penitentiary sign, and on the day of the anniversary celebrations, scaffolding was raised so that some of the original occupying Native American activists and their families could repaint the “graffiti”.

Photos below:

The original 1969 condition during the occupation - The deteriorated 2019 condition - Brian Downs repainting of the historic sign - Original occupying activist Eloy Martinez, and Brian Downs during the repainting - Before and after from ferry.