Santa Fe Unveils 400th Anniversary Logo
Santa Fe’s 400th Anniversary Committee has unveiled its winning logo contest design, which will be used to commemorate 400 years of Santa Fe history. Entries came from around the world and more than 5,160 votes were cast to select the winning logo.
The winning design depicts a Zia symbol rising over pueblo-style buildings with the dates 1610 to 2010 above the image and the words “Santa Fe 400 – The Oldest Capitol in the United States” below the image. It was designed by Derek LaDuke, a 32-year-old graphic designer from Albuquerque. For his winning entry, LaDuke collects $2,000.
The 400th Anniversary Committee launched the contest in June 2007. Of the 71 design entries that were received and reviewed, 47 came from New Mexico. In addition to the international entries, designs were also received from California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, Tennessee and Texas.
The 71 entries were whittled down to four finalists by the 400th Anniversary Committee’s Marketing and PR Task Force. During that process neither the names of the designers nor the cities from which they came were known to the judges until after the choice had been narrowed down to the four finalists. In keeping with the all-inclusive spirit of Santa Fe’s 400th Anniversary (1610-2010), the final choice for the official logo was given to the public to decide.
The public had the opportunity to vote online. Voting information appeared in the local press and on the Santa Fe Convention and Visitors Bureau Website. Approximately 28,000 flyers were inserted with the city’s November utility bill, which displayed the final four choices and urged the public to vote for their choice. The final vote count was 5,162, with the winning design receiving 1,451 votes.
“I am excited and honored that my design will be a part of Santa Fe’s rich history,” LaDuke said when notified that his entry was the public’s favorite. He further stated that “this was one of the most challenging logos I’ve ever worked on. I was inspired by the Native American, Hispanic and Western cultures, as well as the thriving art community of Santa Fe.”
LaDuke will be honored by the City of Santa Fe at a public ceremony in January, 2008, to coincide with the opening of the Santa Fe 400th Anniversary offices and the official start of Santa Fe’s commemoration (1610-2010).
“I’m excited to see the 400th anniversary activities developing. I think it’s great that 5,000 residents voted, and look forward to seeing plans for the 400th anniversary move forward in the public process. The end result will be a wonderful commemoration of our city in 2008, 2009 and 2010,” Mayor David Coss said.
Michael Cerletti, Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department, said the celebration will extend beyond Santa Fe’s borders to encompass the entire state. “Albuquerque’s Tri-Centennial benefited all of New Mexico’s tourism industry, and I know Santa Fe’s 400th anniversary celebration will have a similar impact. The citizens of Santa Fe are to be commended for their efforts and hard work.”
“Congratulations to all who participated in the selection process of the logo for the Santa Fe 400th Anniversary Commemoration. The public voted and selected a logo that, I think, is appropriate and representative of Santa Fe's 400th birthday. This logo will act as our banner for the events beginning in 2008 and ending in 2010. And a special congratulations to Derek LaDuke who submitted the winning entry to the contest,” said Maurice Bonal, Chairman of the Santa Fe 400th Anniversary Committee.
For more information, contact Laura Banish City of Santa Fe Public Information Officer, 505-955-6046 or lbanish@ci.santa-fe.nm.us.
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