Aug. 31, 2009

The Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL) today announced a contest geared toward creative- and history-minded students in 7th through 12th grades:  the challenge of designing a logo for the Michigan Commission on the Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812. 

In cooperation with the Michigan Art Education Association, the Michigan Council for History Education and the Wayne RESA, the commission offers this terrific opportunity for the winning student's work to create the visual trademark for the commission - a look that will be carried through on all Web and print branding and promotional efforts.

"For three critical years from 1812 to 1815, the Michigan territory was on the front line of a clash among the United States, Great Britain and the Native American nations of the region," said Department of History, Arts and Libraries Acting Director Mark Hoffman.  "It was a defining time for our state, and through this contest we're confident that students will be able to generate ideas that capture the importance and spirit of a remarkable chapter in Michigan history."

The logo contest is open to any student in 7th through 12th grade, enrolled in a public, private or home school program in the state of Michigan.  A maximum of two entries will be accepted from each student, and all entries must be submitted by Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009.  Full contest/design guidelines and an entry form are available at http://socialstudies.resa.net or http://www.michiganhistoryed.org (under the Workshops and Special Events tab).

"We encourage art teachers throughout the state and anyone who instructs young people in the concepts of art and design to share news of this contest with their students," said Kimberly Cairy, president of the Michigan Art Education Association.  

In addition to having his or her design selected as the commission's official logo, the first-place winner will receive a $100 award and four tickets for a Lake Michigan cruise on the sloop Friends Good Will, based at the Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven. 

Up to three additional entrants will be selected for $25 honorable mention awards.  All participants will be notified of selections no later than Jan. 18, 2010.  The logo winner, finalists and teachers will be invited to attend the War of 1812 Bicentennial Awards presentation ceremony on Monday, Feb. 22, 2010, at the Michigan Historical Center in downtown Lansing.

For more information about the War of 1812 Bicentennial Logo Contest, contact David Hales, Wayne RESA social studies consultant, at halesd@resa.net.

The Michigan Commission on the Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 was created by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm in 2007, recognizing the critical role played by soldiers and citizens in this defining moment of Michigan's development.  Governor Granholm states in the executive order creating the commission that "it is in the best interests of the State of Michigan to provide for appropriate commemorative activities recognizing the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812" and that "recognizing the bicentennial of the War of 1812 will increase awareness of Michigan's cultural heritage and assist cultural economic development in this state."  Learn more at http://www.michigan.gov/war1812.

The Michigan Art Education Association is the professional organization for art educators in Michigan.  Its purposes are to encourage and strengthen creative visual art curriculum aligned with Michigan Department of Education standards and benchmarks at all levels; to support and promote quality and training of future art educators; to identify and promote outstanding visual art programs; to cooperate with appropriate arts agencies and organizations statewide; and to represent members in an advisory capacity with government officials.  Learn more at http://www.miarted.org.

Founded in 1993, the Michigan Council for History Education (MCHE) holds an annual conference for K-12 and college history teachers; publishes four newsletters a year; sends frequent email updates; offers summer workshops and special events; annually gives the McConnell History Educator Award to one elementary, one secondary and one pre-service teacher; and is the Michigan sponsor of the Gilder-Lehrman Preserve America History Educator Award.  MCHE consults with local groups on the Teaching American History grants.  Learn more at http://www.michiganhistoryed.org.

The Department of History, Arts and Libraries is dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity.  It includes the Library of Michigan, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Michigan Historical Center.  Learn more at www.michigan.gov/hal .

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries.