William (bc) (Bill) Collins with Pig Iron BBQ Pig Statue

This photograph shows artist and signmaker William (bc) (Bill) Collins painting the pig statue in front of the Pig Iron BBQ, 5295 North High Street, shortly after its opening circa June 2001. At the time of the restaurant's soft opening, it was called "Mike & Wally's BBQ," and the pig statue bore these words in red paint. The restaurant changed its name to the Pig Iron BBQ shortly thereafter, and bc is shown here repainting the pig statue to reflect the updated name. He stands on a ladder next to the statue holding a small paintbrush against the statue; the words "Pig Iron BBQ" have been painted in red on its side.

Visible behind the pig statue are signs displayed on top of the roof of the restaurant, advertising "Ribs and Chicken," "Cold Beer" and "Corn on the Cob." These signs were also designed and painted by bc.

The Pig Iron BBQ opened at this spot in Beechwold in June 2001, in what had formerly been a McDonald's restaurant. In June, 2012, the Pig Iron changed ownership and became Iron Grill Barbeque & Brew, but the well-known pig sign out front remained.

The sculpture was created from high density urethane built on a framework made by Fortin and carved by bc. The sculpture has LED lights for the eyes.

Born in Columbus, Ohio, artist and signmaker William (bc) (Bill) Collins attended Columbus College of Art and Design when it was still a small art school, majoring in Fine Art. After serving in the Army in Europe, he became a sign artist for businesses throughout the Columbus area, starting his sole ownership sign business in 1978. Over nearly three decades, he created some of the most iconic advertising art in central Ohio.

Before the advent of computers and the use of vinyl, bc designed, created and sold his signs marketing his work through word of mouth. He cut letters with a router, made and pounced patterns, projected designs on a variety of objects then finished the job by painting and installing the sign.

bc created signs for numerous Worthington-area businesses, including Angels on High, Scottie MacBean, Pig Iron BBQ (now Iron Grill Barbeque and Brew), P.K. O'Ryan's, The Old Bag of Nails Pub, Celtic Corner, Magic Cruises & Tours and M.S. Abbott Jewelers.

In addition to his sign art, bc was an accomplished muralist, sculptor and painter of portraits, landscapes and other work, which were exhibited in galleries throughout central Ohio. In April 2022, bc’s 1992, 25-foot mural of the Columbus skyline became part of the permanent collection at The Ohio Arts Council.

bc and his family lived in Worthington for 22 years.