Abstract: A channel letter or light box illumination apparatus wherein the channel letter or light box is illuminated from a luminaire located at some distance from the channel letter or light box, ideally in a location expeditious to servicing replaceable components such as lamps and driver electronics. A light engine includes one or more light ports, with each port capable of conveying light via optical light guides for the purpose of illuminating a portion or entirety of the light box or channel letter. A singular light guide or plurality of light guides enters the side or rear of the channel letter or light box and are coupled to side-lit light guides. The side-lit light guides, which may be bent and formed, convey light and distribute it through out the channel letter or light box.