Creating a gateway to another world

Proto artifact cases provide innovative solutions to display and venue challenges. Working with a palette of archival materials, lighting systems and advanced technology, our artisans can create a sensory impact that invites viewer involvement while integrating seamlessly with the facility setting. Proto offers an extensive gallery of customizable design concepts as well as original design capability for any need or budget. Contact us to learn how we can work with you to create gateways that will transport visitors into the world of your collections.

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Our Story

Proto Productions began as a creative partnership formed in 1974 to provide visually compelling displays and exhibits for galleries, museums and similar venues. As the young company grew in experience and reputation, clients increasingly sought its expanded role in developing more innovative and elaborate exhibits made with the same commitment to quality, creativity and meticulous attention to detail. Proto Productions was incorporated in 1983 to serve this growing need. Unlike the traditional exhibit company model – with a significant portion of resources directed to trade show displays – Proto Productions decided at its founding to focus exclusively on the design and fabrication of permanent museum and educational exhibits. The demanding needs of these applications and the irreplaceable value of many of the artifacts they contained drove the continuing development of innovative display solutions, supporting technology, and a staff of skilled artisans to faithfully execute every design. In 2009, Artifact Cases was established as a division of Proto Productions to focus exclusively on the development of custom display cases for an expanding range of clients: museums, galleries, libraries and educational institutions. Today, we pride ourselves on our work, our clients, and our continuing commitment to crafting creative solutions with state of the art conservation materials to meet your display needs.

OUR TEAM

Ken Hopkins, President

Ken has led the company since its inception. He is personally involved in every project and has earned a reputation for attention to detail and problem solving abilities, from clients and colleagues alike. Ken came into the field of museum exhibition fabrication from the design side of the industry with a degree in industrial design. His early fascination with the intricacies and possibilities of industrial design has been given full expression in his role as creative lead at Proto, investigating and developing innovative methods and materials to produce the state-of-the-art cases that are Proto’s hallmark. Ken received his BS in Industrial Design from the Institute of Design, Illinois Institute of Technology.

Ron Craig, Design Detailer/Project Manager

Ron develops detailed designs, technical drawings and specifications for each project, transforming design concepts into production plans. He is highly qualified as a project manager and remains closely involved in every project from design through installation. His proven track record of construction management has been gained through more than 30 years of experience in exhibit and architectural design. His strong written and oral communication talents and diagrammatic skills are valued by team members and clients. Ron has managed projects since 2006. He received his BS in Architecture from Lawrence Technological University.

Chad Hopkins, Production Manager

Chad is a skilled manager responsible for overseeing the fabrication process and coordinating the efforts of project managers, designers and craft people to ensure a smooth production flow. He is responsible for determining production methods and techniques, procuring materials, and quality assurance programs including packing, shipping and final installation. His proficiency in fabrication and his time management skills, ensure the timely completion of projects. A skilled cabinetmaker, Chad’s detail-orientated knowledge of cabinetry enhances his team’s output as he works side by side with his team. This hands on approach to his work, makes Chad a superb shop manager. Chad received his Associates Degree in Liberal Arts from the College of DuPage.

Cornell Wilson, Graphics Supervisor

For the many projects that include interpretive labeling, signage and other graphics, Cornell is the assurance of creative quality. He oversees production of all display and interpretive graphic components and has been a valued member of the Proto team since 1985, starting as a master screen printer and developing his extensive skills at computer graphics as the industry evolved. He is expert in Photoshop, Illustrator and In Design.

Amy Roach, Office Manager, Marketing/Sales 

Organization is key to running a successful office. Working efficiently behind the scenes, Amy performs the day-to-day office functions that help keep all projects running smoothly. Her 30 years of office and human resources experience, makes her particularly adept in ensuring compliance with the range of contractual requirements of modern business. Amy’s knowledge of art, as an art historian and her work as a professional artist enhances her proficiency as office manager for a company that provides services for the art world. Amy holds an MFA in Art History from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.