Staff Reports
The Columbus Bicentennial Steering Committee has unveiled the official 2021 bicentennial logo, created by Columbus native and University of Louisville design student Ava Becker.
Earlier this year, the steering committee conducted a logo design contest, receiving more than two dozen submissions. Becker’s design, which features a graphic design of some of Columbus’ most iconic architectural treasures, was chosen as the winner. Becker is a junior at the University of Louisville.
Becker said she drew her inspiration for her design from the city’s iconic and architecture history.
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“When I was initially sketching and brainstorming the logo, I wanted to implement as many elements that represented Columbus and Bartholomew County as possible,” Becker said. “In my design, I also wanted to honor famous graphic designer Paul Rand, who played a huge part in the community’s branding history, so I decided to follow the color scheme of his work.
“When it came to recognizable landmarks, it was a lot of trial and error of what would fit and be identifiable in the vertical space.”
The planned celebration for next year comes slightly on the heels of the state bicentennial that unfolded in all Hoosier counties, including Bartholomew, in 2016.
In addition to selecting the official logo, the steering committee has also announced the official theme for Columbus’ and Bartholomew County’s 200th birthday — “Common Ground.”
According to steering committee co-chairs Diane Doup and Tobi Herron, Common Ground is a great fit “because the phrase celebrates the past, present, and future of our county, while encouraging us to build upon the things we have in common,” according to a news release.
Throughout 2021, in honor of the Columbus/Bartholomew County 200th anniversary, the steering committee hopes to execute and endorse a variety of educational and celebratory events that highlight the history, culture, diversity, heritage, people, arts, commerce and agriculture of the greater Columbus area.
As a way to start to engage with the community, the committee said it is looking for program and event ideas which celebrate the past and present during the bicentennial year and give vision to the future. Residents are encouraged to submit ideas during the month of August using a simple survey which can be found online at columbus.in.gov/bicentennial or Bicentennial Facebook page.
Residents can also have the survey delivered straight to a mobile device by texting the word columbus200 to the number 31996.
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For more information on the Columbus Area Bicentennial, visit columbus.in.gov/bicentennial.
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