When my father, Mahlon S. Downard, started Downard’s Automotive Specialties in 1984, in East Sparta, OH,  little did he know that thanks to his future wife, Sharon, a highly talented fineline pinstriper and airbrush artist, the little hot rod garage would soon transform into a full-fledged sign shop. Sharon had been hand-lettering race cars, signs, and other various items for years, but once she started running her business out of the speed shop, it wasn’t long before Pro-Art was born in 1986.

The speed shop stayed open for several years turning out quality street rods, but it was soon evident that our future was going to be in signs and graphics. So wrenches were traded for squeegees and Pro-Art went from one bay at the speed shop to overtaking the entire facility.

After many years of blood, sweat, and tears, it became obvious that we had outgrown the little shop on Cleveland Avenue. And in 2004, in our 18th year, we moved into the 8,400 sq. ft., climate-controlled facility that we now call home. Located at 2416 Shepler Church Avenue SW, in Canton, OH, it features a 60’x100′ installation bay that can accommodate two 53′ semi trailers at a time, with plenty of room left over for smaller vehicles. Winter installs are no problem, either, thanks to the temperature-controlled environment. Adjacent to the installation bay is our production area, which houses two wide format digital printers, two laminators, a Graphtec plotter, four design/work stations, and three production tables.

Our production team includes four graphic designers and three production workers, and all of them are talented, experienced installers. Not to be forgotten is our full-time salesman.

The business model Pro-Art employs is built on quality and service; we take pride in every job that comes through our doors, and you can rest assured that your satisfaction is paramount. Big or small, your job gets done right at Pro-Art. If you’d like further proof of our work ethic and attention to detail, just check out the testimonials section. We’ve come a long way from our humble beginnings, but throughout the decades one thing has remained constant: we value our customers above all, and consider each of them a part of the Pro-Art family. So if you haven’t already contacted us, we would be honored with the opportunity to become your one-stop sign and graphics partner. We feel like the future here is bright, and we’d like you to be part of it.

Mahlon Downard Jr.