city prints

I recently found one of the most unique and intriguing pieces of art while searching for a map of Charlottesville, VA online. If you don't already know, I am an alumnus of the University of Virginia and love any sort of memorabilia. When I saw the orange and blue map from City Prints I was curious to see the history and what else they had to offer.

City Prints was started by Tony and Kate Rodono. Tony originally started a traffic counting business while studying at UNC Chapel Hill and realized how much he enjoyed sketching the maps of the areas he studied. As he grew older he then realized the importance of place and how it can evoke memories and importance. 

In addition to the maps he has listed for various universities, Tony also creates custom maps. Some maps he has created before have been his and her hometown prints, historical maps or a favorite vacation spot. You also can get a X on the map to mark where you lived or a favorite spot in town. I think this is such a special gift for a recent graduate or for any loved one. Each print is $40 and if you would like that print to come framed it would be $170. A custom print is estimated at $200 and can be produced in about a week. City Prints is a personal and one of a kind gift. You can click here to see customer satisfactions and see how many memories one piece of art can evoke.

{images via City Prints}