ART in the ALA Exhibits?

Heard on an ALA LinkedIn discussion started by Rick White on "Trade Show Giveaways" that there is a possibility of an art exhibit at ALA conference. I'm always on the lookout for book art. See gifts for book lovers.

Here's my suggestion for another art-related idea for ALA Conference: Have an art contest and promote it to college and university art departments so a crop of creative students can submit their work for a large, national audience of librarians and friends. I'm taking a graphic design course now (an introductory course) and will be learning how to design logos. Next semester, we will be designing posters. Why not get commercial art teachers to assign or give extra credit for entering the ALA Annual Art contest? After all, librarians love illustrators too!

There could be a number of categories of library art, with a new theme each year. I'm sure art librarians and ALA's graphic art team could have fun creating this new program. Library signage would be a good category. Just the words "Library" and "READ" would be fine design themes. Lots to think about. Lots of possibilities beyond poster contests like Dr. Lesley Farmer's annual California School Library Association's @YourLibrary contest for kids.

I'd welcome postcards or posters of ALA award-winning art. Better yet, how about ALA members being able to use the award-winning art in digital format for local or state-level library advocacy, thus providing more visibility for the artist and libraries. Seems like a win-win.