The Glass Association of North America (GANA) is proud to announce the Design in Glass Awards 2007, a new program sponsored by its decorative, laminating, mirror and tempering divisions. The GANA Design in Glass Awards recognize excellence in the aesthetic design and installation of glass and mirror in interior and exterior applications. This program expands upon the successful Mirrorlink.org Design Awards, which were sponsored in 2006 by the mirror division, and featured in several newspapers and magazines around the United States.

One of the best aspects of the Mirrorlink.org Design Awards was that the entries were placed on the mirror division’s website. This allowed site visitors to scroll through the entries for decorative and design ideas. Having the ability to see these innovative applications led to creative visions for homeowners, remodelers and designers. This excitement even helped bring mirror back as a viable design element. The program’s expansion to include decorative glazing applications, colored and printed laminates and beautifully curved and tempered seamless bath enclosures will only broaden the appeal and potential of the awards.

Judging Criteria 
A panel of individuals in the architecture, interior design and glass/mirror industries will judge the entries in eight separate categories (including commercial and residential applications). Specific elements of the judging criteria include:
• Aesthetic appeal of the glass or mirror in the design;
• Innovation and originality of glass or mirror in the design; and 
• Significance of glass or mirror in the design.

Installations completed in the United States, Canada or Mexico from January 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007 are eligible for entry. 

We also plan to launch a large online gallery of the entries that can serve as an inspirational resource for designers who wish to push the architectural envelope aesthetically forward. 

Additional Entry Points
• There is no entry fee;
• Contestants may submit more than one entry;
• For each submission, an entry form should be completed in full and submitted with at least two color photographs (including a “before” picture if possible);
• A paragraph on the aesthetic goal of the completed design must accompany each entry.
• Any entry that is not signed will be disqualified; and
• Entries must be submitted by October 1, 2007.

GANA is looking forward to honoring those who have used glass as an artistic medium to enhance architectural appeal. Winning entries will receive the following:
• Media coverage in the form of a feature article run in various newspapers across the United States, as well as in trade publications;
• Press Releases sent to winners for local use;
• Recognition on various GANA websites; and
• A $500 cash prize for the submitter of the entry.

Readers of USGlass magazine are encouraged to enter this year’s awards. To learn more or to download the entry form, please visit our website at www.glasswebsite.com or www.mirrorlink.org. The entry form is also included in this month’s USGlass.

the author: Brian Pitman is the director of marketing and communications for the Glass Association of North America in Topeka, Kan. Mr. Pitman’s opinions are solely his own and not necessarily those of this magazine. 

USG
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