"We don't look for anything in particular, but we look for the highest quality aesthetic work," library art committee member Geeta Arunkumar said.

Arunkumar said the art wall is popular with public. When a piece comes down for even a day, people will ask where it has gone and what will come next, she explained.

The selection process for artwork that will be displayed encompasses a two-year exhibition schedule beginning in 2006. Artists 18 and older are eligible. Last year about 90 artists submitted their work, Arunkumar said. This year, artists from outside Santa Clara County will be considered.

Submitted work must be two-dimensional; standing art cannot be accommodated. Each selected artist will be assigned 30 linear feet of exhibition space. Two selected artists will display their artwork for two months at a time.

Arunkumar said established artists enjoy displaying their work to the local community, while upcoming artists are able to get some good exposure. "We don't let them sell their pieces when their artwork is up," she said. "But they do make a few sales."

The committee will review all artwork, including photography, calligraphy and fiber arts.

Samples of artwork must be submitted on a 5 x 7 photograph, slide or Polaroid picture. The artwork should be suitable for display to children. The scale, materials and form should be suitable for the library surroundings and should not be a threat to public safety. No entry fee or commissions will be charged to participants.

"It brings a lot to the community," Arunkumar said of the art wall. "It gives artists and photographers a chance to show their work."

The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. on Jan. 4. Notification letters will be mailed to artists on Feb. 8. The first two selected artists will begin displaying their work in March.

For more information and for the submission form, visit www.santaclaracountylib.org/Saratoga. Submission forms are also available in hard copy at the library.