What happens when interior design students direct their creative energy towards lighting innovations? A book with pages that glow, a lighted s-shaped sculpture and a light box with wings.

These are just a few of the lighting creations invented by the students at the Harrington Institute of Interior Design. Their innovative lighting ideas will be showcased in a "Celebration of Lights," exhibition and competition running throughout the month of May at the school, located in the Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave.

The exhibit will feature more than 50 lighting fixtures or lighted furniture created by students in an experimental design class and a lighting class. Students were instructed to design and construct fixtures or lighted furniture using innovative materials, forms and functional concepts. The fixtures/furniture are also for sale and be can be bought for a reasonable price. Prices will vary due to materials used.

"The classes encourage students to explore their design talents and creativity," says Peter Klick, instructor of the experimental design class at Harrington.

From May 1 to May 23, visitors can vote on which design they like best for a lighting competition sponsored by Kurt Versen, Louis Poulsen, Litecontrol and Morr Sharp. Experts from the lighting industry will then judge the top ten designs. The first place winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize from Kurt Versen; second and third will each receive $500 from Louis Poulsen and Litecontrol; and runners up will receive a $50 gift certificate to the Harrington bookstore.

The exhibit will be on display during school hours from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the 4th, 5th and 6th floors. The show is free and open to the public.

The Harrington Institute of Interior Design is a four-year college that offers flexible scheduling for a bachelor of fine arts degree in interior design, an associate of applied science degree and a professional diploma.

Founded in Chicago in 1931, Harrington seeks to foster an environment that maximizes students' intellectual and artistic potentials. The majority of the faculty are practicing interior design, architecture and fine art professionals. Harrington is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, and the BFA program is accredited by the Foundation for Interior Designer Education Research (FIDER). Harrington is also recognized by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

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