by Stephen M. Fry
VP for Programs
One of the Society’s most exciting projects – and one that has been in review for some time – is its newly created logo.
In Board meeting discussions about how the Society might develop an appropriate logo, several avenues were open, including having Society members contribute designs, hiring a professional designer, holding a competition, or choosing a ready-made logo. The Board decided that local artists, especially design students at local schools and institutions, should have an opportunity and be encouraged to participate.
The competition was publicized in local newspapers and other media with this notice: “The Culver City Historical Society is seeking an appropriate logo to represent its unique function, location, and community role. The design art should be suitable for use on the Society’s literature, stationery, website, plaques and other materials, and should incorporate a local building, site or other historical reference.“
We created a design brief and a set of competition rules and guidelines, with a deadline for participants of May 31, 2010. The subsequent submissions included many diverse and original ideas featuring local buildings, art, and the film industry (i.e. “Culver City: The Heart of Screenland”).
Our winning logo, by unanimous vote at the July, 2010 Board meeting, was created by Robert Wolfe, a local artist and long-time Culver City resident. His design incorporated stylized visions of the historic Culver Hotel along with the film sculpture – “Filmstrip USA” by noted sculptress Natalie Krol – which stands in front of the Veterans Memorial Building.
Most gratifying is the fact that Mr. Wolfe is 83 years old. He received an award of $300, and was the Guest of Honor at the Society’s annual picnic on July 21st, where the new logo was unveiled.
Local artists Brenda Cook and Susan Diviak earned Honorable Mentions for their creative designs. And the Society thanks all who submitted entries for this very important mission.