Putting a Hex on Hex Signs

Well, I know a bit about folk art ,but I know absolutely nothing about Hex signs. In fact, the first article I found about them said “yes, Hex signs are still used and professional Hex sign artists still paint them. Well,there is no such thing as a “professional” folk artist. By definition, folk artists are amateurs so I smell a barn rat. I think we have to label them craft. Or “tourist art” might be more appropriate. As for their significance and function (other than decoration) I have no idea, Superstitions maybe? A hex sign is primarily decorative these days, but they used to ward off witchcraft, fires and farm failure it says. Who am I to doubt? I guess they work as there seem to be some old barns with them wearing the signs.