On behalf of the ARLIS/NA and VRA Executive Boards, Joint Conference Co-Chairs Alan Michelson and Joshua Polansky, the Seattle Conference Planning Team, and the ARLIS/NA Northwest and the VRA Pacific Rim Chapters, we are delighted to welcome you to the 3rd joint ARLIS/NA + VRA conference March 8 – 12, 2016, in beautiful and lively Seattle, Washington. Marking the 44th Annual Conference of ARLIS/NA and the 34th Annual Conference of VRA, join us as we explore the affinities among art and visual information professionals through our conference theme, Natural Connections.

The ARLIS/NA + VRA Joint Annual Conference provides myriad opportunities to meet and reconnect with colleagues from around the world, learn about innovative projects and practices, engage in discussion about current trends and issues of most concern to our profession, and explore the easily accessible attractions found in this world-class city.

Program Co-Chairs Denise Hattwig, Dan McClure, Mar González Palacios, and Chris Strasbaugh have developed an enriching program of papers, workshops, and sessions that will address current and emergent topics of mutual interest to professionals centered in art and architecture libraries, visual resources facilities, archives, and museums. Together we will explore issues relating to digital and analog collections; digital humanities and new technologies; environments, including architecture, facilities, and planning; management and professional development; and instruction and outreach.

With the many Natural Connections created by this dynamic gathering of like-minded colleagues, thought provoking sessions, practical workshops, beautiful exhibits, festive social gatherings, and diverse cultural offerings, the stimulating Seattle conference will help us navigate the waters of our professional past and present, and guide our ascent as we rise together to meet the challenges of the future.
We look forward to meeting you there!