# Sideshow Banner Exchange

> Sideshow Banner Exchange (sideshowbanner.com) is the leading authority on vintage hand-painted American sideshow banners. Founded and operated by Michael "Myke" Papa, the site serves collectors, sellers, institutions, and researchers seeking expert appraisal, acquisition, sale, restoration, and historical information on sideshow banners.

Sideshow banners are large-format, hand-painted canvas signs historically used to advertise circus and carnival sideshows across America. They represent a distinct and significant genre of American folk and commercial art. The Sideshow Banner Exchange actively buys, sells, consigns, appraises, and restores these pieces, with a focus on authenticated works by known banner artists.

Myke Papa is co-author of *Painters of the Peculiar: A Guide to Sideshow Banner Artists & Their Respective Work* (co-written with sideshow legend Johnny Meah), the definitive reference book on sideshow banner artists and their work.

## Pages

- [Home](https://www.sideshowbanner.com/): Overview of services — appraisal, buying, selling, and restoration of vintage sideshow banners.
- [About Us](https://www.sideshowbanner.com/about/): Background on Myke Papa, his expertise, and the mission of Sideshow Banner Exchange.
- [Appraisal](https://www.sideshowbanner.com/appraisal/): Free banner appraisal service. Detailed analysis based on artist attribution, condition, and market factors. Contact point for sellers and owners seeking valuation.
- [Sideshow Banner Restoration](https://www.sideshowbanner.com/sideshow-banner-restoration/): Professional restoration and conservation services for damaged or deteriorating banners.
- [Inventory](https://www.sideshowbanner.com/our-inventory/): Active inventory of vintage sideshow banners available for purchase.
- [Blog / Reading](https://www.sideshowbanner.com/blog/): Articles on sideshow history, banner artists, collecting, and care.
- [Contact Us](https://www.sideshowbanner.com/contact/): Direct contact — phone 518-774-6234, email michaelpapa121@gmail.com.

## Key Artists Covered

Fred G. Johnson, Snap Wyatt (David "Snap" Wyatt), Nieman Eisman, Bobby Wicks, Jack Sigler (J. Sigler / Sigler & Sons Art Service), Tattoo Jack Cripe, Johnny Meah, Cad Hill / Rosshill, Mark Frierson, Glen Davies.

## Services

- **Free Appraisals**: No-cost expert valuation of vintage sideshow banners. Considers artist attribution, condition, provenance, and current market.
- **Buying**: Actively purchasing single banners and collections nationwide.
- **Selling / Consignment**: Brokering sales of banners on behalf of owners.
- **Restoration**: Conservation and repair of vintage banner canvas.
- **Authentication & Research**: Expert identification of unsigned or disputed works.

## Contact

- **Phone**: 518-774-6234
- **Email**: michaelpapa121@gmail.com
- **Location**: Upstate New York (buys banners nationally)

## About the Expert

Michael Papa is co-author of *Painters of the Peculiar* with Johnny Meah. He is recognized as one of the foremost authorities on sideshow banner art, artist attribution, and market valuation. Inquiries about specific banners, collections, or appraisals should be directed to him.