Pixels 2 Press recently moved to Woodbridge from Norwalk. First Selectman Ellen Scalettar toured the new-to-Woodbridge business as part of the Town’s “Shop Woodbridge, Dine Woodbridge, Try Woodbridge” campaign.
The First Selectman’s business visits are designed to create a stronger bond between Town Hall and the Town’s business community and to foster economic development in Woodbridge. Additionally, the Town’s Economic Development Commission has been inviting new and expanding businesses to its monthly meetings in order to learn about those businesses and why they chose Woodbridge.
Pixels 2 Press offers digital photography and retouching, photo composition, and large format printing such as trade show displays and in-store marketing displays.
Partners Ed Belenski and Bob Ardolino gave Scalettar a tour of their print media business at 28 Selden Street.
Scalettar asked about the many displays of their work and learned that, in most cases, each piece of artwork was a composition of many photos. One poster of Patron tequila bottles, Ardolino explained, was created using several individual photos.
They also showed her examples of their newest work -- custom family photo "memory boards" for the retail market.
"This is amazing," she said marveling at one display showcasing the clarity of wedding photos from the 1940s and 50s. The memory boards -- which started when Belenski made one for a family funeral -- can be mounted on poster board or framed.
The duo take old photos and correct the coloring and lighting and remove any grain or grit. They scan the original photos, leaving them in their original state to be returned to the owner. Pixels 2 Press has also been working with local high school sports teams to create high quality photos and posters of the athletes.
Belenski and Ardolino bring many years of experience, insight and practical knowledge to their projects. Belenski started his career as a messenger for a printing company. When he noticed a critical error and alerted the owner, he was awarded an apprenticeship and in the early ’80s pioneered the first digital retouching computers. Ardolino started his career with a part-time job in college. He loved it and later went on to work at many sports magazines.
They brought Pixels 2 Press to Woodbridge to reduce their commute -- Belenski lives in Woodbridge and Ardolino in Northford. Already they have created and designed banners for their landlord and neighboring businesses and are in talks with other local companies to create indoor and outdoor signage. "We didn't realize all the business opportunities that we'd find when we came here," says Belenski.