AKRON, Ohio — With the city’s 2025 bicentennial approaching, the Akron Bicentennial Commission has put wheels in motion for a year-long celebration, including selecting a logo for all things related to Akron’s 200th anniversary.
The process started with a call for qualifications, which besides design samples, asked applicants to show work in diverse sectors and show the technical capability needed for the work ahead, the commission said.
Garnering 21 applications accompanied by relevant portfolio samples, the commission’s marketing work group whittled the submissions from 21 to two artists, who were asked to submit logo designs.
The winning logo was announced this week. Eric Hancsak, creative director at About350 Creative, designed the winning logo, with the commission describing the design as “a vibrant, colorful design representing Akron's variety and progress.”
"We knew that graphic artists in our community had talent, and we received 21 designs from professionals which proved it,” said Judge Elinore Marsh Stormer, marketing work group chair and bicentennial commission co-chair.
In his submission, Hancsak described the design elements in his work as representing “motion, energy and convergence.”
“The winning entry is an abstract representation with colorful lines ascending and descending to form the letter A,” said Akron historian and Commission Executive Secretary Dave Lieberth. “The apex symbolizes progress and Akron’s being the high point of the historic Ohio & Erie Canal.”
Hancsak, who is a graduate of Kent State University’s Visual Communications program, has been a designer for more than 25 years. He has done work for myriad clients, from Fortune 500 companies to rock bands, the commission said.
His portfolio includes design for traditional print media, corporate identity and logo systems, video graphics, websites and user interfaces.
In 2001, Hancsak founded Hudson-based About 350 Creative, whose client roster includes the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Downtown Akron Partnership, Akron Roundtable and Akron Children's Museum.
Appointed by Mayor Dan Horrigan, the Akron Bicentennial Commission is a citizen-led initiative that eventually will select representatives from the city’s neighborhoods, 10 wards and special interest groups, the city said.
Akron’s 200th year begins Dec. 6, 2024, with the Akron Bicentennial Celebration scheduled to take place in July 2025.
According to the commission, bicentennial events will follow four themes — Akron history, civic pride, innovation and legacy.
Special events also are planned for Dec. 6, 2025, Akron's actual 200th anniversary, marking the date in 1825 when Gen. Simon Perkins filed the plat of Akron at the courthouse in Ravenna.
For more information about the Akron Bicentennial Commission, visit the city’s website.