Collocation (NATURE) by Mickey Smith

We were ecstatic to receive word that photographer Mickey Smith's permanent glass installation at the University of Florida (pictured above) was recently named one of the 40 Best Public Artworks of 2009. Americans for the Arts' Year in Review 2010 reflects "the most exemplary, innovative permanent or temporary public art works created or debuted in 2009" in making their selection.

Collocation (NATURE) by Mickey Smith

You may, of course, recognize some of the panels from this installation from Mickey's 20x200 editions: Collocation No. 14 (NATURE) Left Panel and its pair, Collocation No. 14 (NATURE) Right Panel:

Mickey Smith on 20x200

What I find so wonderful, even magical about Mickey's work is that the photographs aren't staged, but discovered, as she writes in her artist statement:

The act of hunting for and photographing these objects is fundamental to my process. I do not touch, light or manipulate the books and words—preferring to document them as found in the stacks, created by the librarian and positioned by the last unknown reader.

Her Collocation series is full of quietly startling, witty, and beautiful images, embracing the word play, color and texture spectrum of the familiar book spine.

In her selection for this award, Mickey joins many awesome and inspiring artworks. Here's just a taste of the other thirty-nine honored artists,

Her Secret is Patience by Jane Echelman (Phoenix, AZ)

Filament/Firmament by Ellen Driscoll (Cambridge Public Library, Cambridge MA)

Home of the Stars by Ellen Harvey (Bronx, NY)

Congrats, Mickey! It's also worth noting that Collocation (NATURE) is Mickey's first major public artwork—we look forward to see what's in store next!