Many people would not consider the Wissman's Bowling Supplies sign along Ardmore Boulevard in Forest Hills an interesting work of art.

Same for the Norwin Bowl sign on Route 30 with its bowling balls and falling pins. Or the heart-shaped sign at the Moose on Oak Street in Irwin.

But these kind of signs are exactly what the authors of "Pittsburgh Signs: 250" are seeking for their full-color book showcasing images of past and present signs throughout 14 counties in western Pennsylvania. The deadline to submit photos for consideration is April 30.

The book will feature original photographs, essays, oral histories, maps, archival materials and personal reflections that capture the region's visual culture, architectural heritage, entrepreneurial spirit and legacy of innovation. Signs can be old or new, here or gone.

Greg Langel, one of the four co-authors, says his appreciation of signs comes from growing up in Las Vegas, a town known for classic iconic signs of its own. But unlike his hometown, where buildings are razed and new signs erected without a thought, "somehow Pittsburgh manages to stay with its roots," he says.

Langel's wife, Jennifer Baron, photographed signs around the world. Langel periodically searched Google for images of Pittsburgh signs.

In 2004, they discovered a Web site of Pittsburgh signs posted by Mark Stroub, who actually lived only a few blocks from their home in Friendship. The couple became friends with Stroup and his wife, Elizabeth Perry, and started planning ways to grow the Pittsburgh Signs Project.

The couples discussed the possibility of writing a book, but instead focused on a $10,000 Sprout Seed Fund Award that enabled them to create a poster and postcard and hold community outreach events. The signs made their way to several group shows and an exhibition at Pittsburgh Filmmakers four years ago.

"That show was pretty well received," Langel says.

When they learned that Pittsburgh 250 Community Connections was seeking grant applicants, the couples knew it was time to pursue the book idea.

They received a $50,000 grant to create a 200-page book to capture the visual treasures and their stories.

The four co-authors have also been named research fellows at Carnegie Mellon University's Studio for Creative Inquiry.

"We're researching the idea of crowd sourcing," Langel says.

They are focusing on creating works of art with contributions from the community and the use of social media online and in real life.

Langel says they hope to hold a Night Blitz event to invite those who submit photos to the online site to a meeting at a coffee shop. From there, the photographers will be sent to different parts of the city to take photos, then return at a specified time when their images will be uploaded to the Web site, www.pittsburghsigns.org.

"Viewing images of signs is a catalyst for conversations," Langel says.

"When people see these images, it will sort of take them back. I view these images as signs of Pittsburgh's authenticity...the strength of our neighborhoods...the strong identity of the region."

How to submit your images

To submit sign photographs for consideration, e-mail up to five images to 250signs@gmail.com or mail a CD-R of images to Greg Langel, 1142 Hillsdale Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15216.

Images may be color or black and white, 6 to 7 inches (2100 pixels) wide, at least 300 dpi and in either a tif or jpg format.

Name the image using the following guideline: LastnameSign name.jpg (SmithDairyQueen.jpg).

Images can be of signs in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Mercer, Somerset, Washington and Westmoreland counties. Some basic information about the sign can be included.

Deadline is April 30. Editors will contact contributors in May regarding submissions.