Bihl Haus Arts hosts an opening reception for “Signs of Life,” featuring a collection of works by artist Ben Ortiz from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, May 2 at the Bihl Haus Gallery, 2803 Fredericksburg Road. The exhibition continues through May 30.

“Signs of Life” includes about 15 works that highlight recognizable and iconic signage of long-time San Antonio establishments throughout town. Featured signage includes those from Cool Crest Miniature Golf on Fredericksburg Road, Jim’s Restaurant at San Pedro and Hildebrand, and Ranch Motel on Broadway, among others.

“The exhibition is a documentation of San Antonio with an artistic take,” Ortiz explained. “It’s also a first-person account of cultural pieces that are uniquely American. Many of these establishments are institutions.”

Ortiz described the process he follows to capture and paint each signage. “I go to sit in front of each sign and sketch them out and then finish them in the studio adding detail,” he said.