“The size, shape, smell, texture and sound of a vinyl record; how do you explain to that teenager who doesn't know that it's a more beautiful musical experience than a mouse click? You put the record in their hands. You make them drop the needle on the platter. Then they'll know.” 

- Jack White 

With access to thousands of songs tucked away in our pockets, technology has made it easy for us to not just listen to our music, but devour it. We can set the mood to every waking moment (and sleeping moment for that matter). Our own personal soundtracks, closing us off to the rest of the world in beautiful auditory isolation. No matter the format, the experience of listening to music is vital to many of us. Even as technology continues to redefine that experience with promises of accessibility, speed and control, part of me longs for life to just slow down. Take the time, turn off the phone and illuminated screens and really listen to music. For decades, records have allowed us that unique opportunity. There’s a warmth to vinyl records, a delicate and often imperfect charm capable of releasing us from the compulsion to dart from track to track. We experience the music not as a collection of songs, but as a unified work of art.

And then there’s the record cover. It’s much easier to make an impression when you have so much real estate to work with. There’s more room for details and subtleties. When you hold it in your hands, it feels like art. Something collectible that you could hang on the wall, unlike the countless CD jewel cases you likely have stacked in a closet.

We’ve all dreamed of designing album art for our favorite band or musician. Well now is your chance. Maybe it’s for one of your favorite albums that you were less than impressed with the artwork. Redesign it. Maybe you want to put a modern spin on a vintage classic or a retro spin on a new release. Do it. Give it your own interpretation. Make it beautiful, impactful, and memorable. Music and design have always gone hand in hand, so pay homage to the music that moves you to create.

We’re extremely excited for this show and know it will be a blast for all participants. It is a fundraising event, as all accepted artwork will be available to purchase via silent auction. There will also be a DJ, appetizers and a cash bar.

In addition, the show will be held in conjunction with Pixels of Fury: A Live Creative Inspiration Tournament presented by Shutterstock. Designers compete in front of a live audience to conceive and create inspiring posters at breakneck speed. Under the gaze of local superstar judges, the pressure is on to answer the big design challenge: Whose inspiration shines brightest?
Send any questions to: aigasummershow@gmail.com 

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