Certain symbols have become as universally recognizable in society, slike the Christian fish that adorns many a bumper sticker, or the rainbow flag displayed in support gay rights.

Durham LED lighting maker Cree is hosting an event this month to create new icons to represent energy efficiency and LED lighting, which happen to be the company's line of business.

The best images created during the Feb. 25 brainstorming session on the Cree campus will be added to a visual library of icons available for general use.

The new icons will join the dozens of symbols that communicate ideas wordlessly in the form of corporate logos, road signs, political sentiments and declarations of self-identity.