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A Kidracer with a Star Wars theme car wrap designed for the Clarks Summit Centennial.

Abington Journal/Ben Freda

The exterior of the Magical Markers new location at 529 Northern Blvd., Chinchilla.

Abington Journal/Ben Freda

CHINCHILLA – Anyone who has noticed signs posted around Clarks Summit advertising the Clarks Summit Centennial, or has viewed the race cars on the National Hot Rod Association on TV, has seen the works of local sign artist John Chindemi.

Chindemi, resident of Greenfield Township, is the owner of a new full-service sign shop located at the gray house next to Dick Mackey’s Quality Pools in Chinchilla: Magical Markers Vinyl Graphics. There, he provides vehicle wraps, full-colored banners, indoor points of sales and more.

“If it’s able to be lettered, we can letter it,” said Chindemi.

Chindemi combines printing, cutting, laminating and engraving with advanced technology.

“I hope to start working with the local business and taking advance technologies with the experience I had in years,” he stated.

Chindemi has been in the sign-making business for 20 years creating everything from Kidracer cars to tractor trailers.

“I even snuck in some airplanes,” he said.

He and his wife Martha traveled across the country, and internationally, making wraps for vehicles. He created wraps for car drag racing series, including the National Hot Rod Association, the Indy 500, and the Daytona 500. Car wraps he created were used by famous racers such as Joe Amato and the late Paul Newman.

“Lots of history with the people I met,” said Chindemi.

Chindemi also creates wraps for safety safari vehicles. He also has done work at Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla., where he designed paint schemes for the theme cars of Jurassic Park rides and Superman rides.

But Chindemi gave up life on the road when his wife became ill with Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.) He stopped traveling to take care of his wife and decided to open a business locally. He had support from his wife and his daughter Elissa, who used to help make signs before she enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Chindemi’s daughter is currently a student at American Military University in Georgia, where she is studying to become a pharmacist.

“After 20 years of traveling, I saw this place to open a sign shop,” said Chindemi of his Chinchilla location. “The place is cozy and quaint, without the bricks and blocks.”

He opened Magical Markers Vinyl Graphics Jan. 2 of this year. Intern Shana R. Morrow, who graduated from Marywood University with an art degree works at the business as well. She is a Justus resident.

Chindemi said he has created signs for local auto businesses such as Joe Gaughan’s Auto Sales in Eynon, Duchnik’s Auto Service Center in Scott Township, NJS Systems & Controls in Mayfield, Propst Transportation in Archbald, J.W. Transportation in Greenfield Township, and Jonal’s Lawn & Garden in Carbondale. He has also completed lettering for police cars in Greenfield Township.

The artist has crafted signs for local events in Clarks Summit, including its 100th anniversary and the Ragtime Rumble, a centennial event which will be hosted at the Nichols Village Hotel Aug. 26.

One specialty of Chindemi’s is reproducing vintage logos, when associate Jack Deren, a mechanic, restores race cars to original designs. Examples, said Chindemi, include the Red Lobster car and the Budweiser car.

Chindemi was born and raised in Archbald. He currently lives in Greenfield Township with his wife Martha.

Although he misses traveling while working, his is happy to have opened a local business where he can still do what he loves. Magical Markers Vinyl Graphics is located 529 Northern Blvd., Chinchilla. For more information, call 570.586.0507 or e-mail [email protected].