The imaginary library at Western Washington University

Gretchen Hansen came back from Bellingham with a great tip about an illustration exhibit at the Wilson Library at Western Washington University. Here's what she observed:

This exhibit consists of original art by 72 illustrators from 30 countries. The participating artists were invited by the International Library in Munich, to create an original book cover for a book that does not yet exist, but which someday the artist would love to create. Each book cover is accompanied by a short text that expresses the artist's idea.

This exhibit comes to WWU from Chicago, having been staged already in Japan, Greece, and Iran. This is its last stop and the only West Coast venue before the exhibit returns to Germany. Familiar artists like Peter Sis and David Wiesner showed covers as well as internationally appreciated author/illustrators like Komako Sakai and Jean Clevenie.

There were amusing covers like "Incognito," and gorgeous covers like "L'Oiseau Bleu." "The Composer" was ethereal and "The Night Story" was mysterious. The display began in February and will conclude sometime in April. Check it out here.