Honoring great toy design

I recently had an opportunity to visit the new Modern Wing at the Art Institute of Chicago. Designed by architect, Renzo Piano, it is really something to be seen. As I worked my way through the rooms containing the more contemporary artists, I could not help noticing the occasional piece of art or sculpture that was toy inspired. 

Later, a visit to the gift shop, showed a nice section of toys for sale that were great looking. They had design elements that made them as much fun to look at as to play with. 

So it occurred to me that if the art world sees beauty in toy design why don’t we. There are awards for great design in other industries. The National Design Awards and the Housewares Design Awards to name just two. 

Maybe I am wrong, but, to my knowledge, there is no award given for great toy design.   If there is not, and someone please tell me if there is, isn’t it time that one of our organizations gave such an award? After all, an industry that honors the talents of its product designers and the beauty in its products is an industry that can aspire to greater things.