INDIANAPOLIS — Following a two-week long voting process, local artist Aaron Stillerman was announced as the bicentennial design contest’s “People’s Choice” winner. Stillerman, a graphic designer at GreenLight Collectibles, received over 430 votes on the Indy Turns 200 Facebook page.
“To some, innovation and legacy are held as separate ideas. Within this logo, however, the two go hand-in-hand,” explained Stillerman. “Take for example, the two typefaces; one a soft, more-traditional style (almost hand-painted in appearance) that represents the simplicity and craftsmanship of yesteryear. The other is a clean, modern typeface that represents strength, present-day, and what has yet to come. This bicentennial logo encapsulates the simplicity, equality and love that the citizens of Indianapolis have for their city. Here’s to 200 years of the past and 200 more to come.”
In addition to winning $500, Stillerman’s logo will be featured throughout Indianapolis’ year-long bicentennial celebration.
“This design continues the celebration of our city’s bicentennial by incorporating the iconic Victory atop the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in the heart of downtown,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “Aaron should be proud that his fellow neighbors have voted for his design, joining the work of Mandy Walsh as part of our city’s bicentennial celebration.”
The Bicentennial Commission received more than 100 submissions for the art and design contest. The overall winning design by Mandy Walsh, along with throw-back designs from the city’s centennial and sesquicentennial celebrations, are featured on “swag” that can be purchased from local vendor The Shop in Broad Ripple or by visiting: www.indyturns200.com/shop.
In addition to the logos, the city is planning events that embrace the history of Indianapolis and its people. Eastsiders can find out more at a free forum and lecture Saturday, Feb. 29 from 2-4 p.m. at the Minnie Hartmann Center, 3734 E. Vermont St. Jordan Ryan from the Indiana Historical Society will speak about their Indianapolis History Collecting Initiative. Participants can learn about the Bicentennial and how they can participate. It will be an opportunity to find out tips about how you can research the history of your home, your neighborhood, or other things we should know about our community’s history. Special guests include Steve Barnett, Marion County Historian and Executive Director of the Irvington Historical Society, and Nelson Price, author of Indianapolis, Then and Now and host of WICR’s “Hoosier History Live!” The east side event is sponsored by the Indiana Historical Society, Near Eastside Area Renewal, Robson-Voohees Neighbors Association, and the Weekly View. Parking will be available on the north side of the Minnie Hartmann Center.
