Official Baldwin City Flag
On August 18th, 2020, Baldwin City Council approved an official city flag.
About the design
The sunflower references Kansas' state flower, the Santa Fe trail markers, and gardens all over Baldwin City awash with colorful flowers, while the color yellow speaks of turning toward joy and opportunity. It is the color of sunflowers, and also of many autumn maple leaves. The maple leaf in the center of course references the Festival and also the maple leaf trees all over town, brilliant in the fall. Perhaps the creative energy and success spoken of in the color orange is why it's also the official color of Baker University. The curving line references the Santa Fe trail, tracing a path through the indigo that is a meeting of purple and deep blue to represent both the Baldwin Schools' purple and Baker University's navy. Indigo represents integrity in tradition.
About the artist
Ashley C. Kretzschmer (née Snedeger) moved with her parents to Baldwin City in 1996, starting fourth grade at Baldwin Elementary School the next school year. She graduated from Baldwin High School in 2006 and attended Baker University.
After completing a psychology internship in the arts with the Lumberyard Arts Center by serving the older populations at Baldwin Care Center and Vintage Park, she graduated summa cum laude in 2010. She graduated with her master's in 2013, becoming a mental health counselor with a certificate in expressive arts therapy.
She is currently a school-based mental health counselor and parent of two young children with her partner Matt Kretzschmer, also a BHS and Baker alum.
RECOMMENDED COLORS
Indigo #2c0e78; rgb(44, 14, 120)
Orange #ff5723; rgb(255, 87, 35)
Yellow #ffd91d; rgb(255, 217, 29)
Copyright Information
The City of Baldwin City flag is not copyrighted, nor is it eligible to be copyrighted. The image is available to individuals for use in First Amendment expression, and to businesses for commercial use, as well as for local government initiatives and to show local government participation.
It is licensed with a Creative Commons Zero license, which is simply a legal way to state it's public domain and for universal use.
To the extent possible under law,
City of Baldwin City
has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to
Official Baldwin City Flag .
This work is published from:
United States.
FLAG DESIGN PROCESS
In the same way a mascot unites a team, a flag allows citizens to show pride and love for their hometown. We asked the general public to help us show their love for Baldwin City and help us design a flag.
This contest was a chance for all of us to create a new city flag together. We wanted something that can fly all over Baldwin City proudly, outside businesses and homes. Something our business owners can put on products to promote the heart and soul of this small town. A design by the people and for the people.
SUBMISSIONS
Design submissions were open from June 3rd, 2020 through July 3rd, 2020. More information about the submission process is available here. We received over 40 submissions.
VOTING
After submissions closed, the Community Development Committee reviewed all submissions carefully using the North American Vexillological Association’s 5 principles of good design and chose what they considered to be the top 5 flags.
Final 5 and Public Feedback
The final five (5) designs and artists, as chosen by the Community Development Committee, were featured at the Lumberyard Arts Center on July 17th during the Art Walk, and public voting began via paper and electronic ballot.
Final 2 Designs
The top two (2) designs as decided by public voting on the top five (5) designs went to city council for a final decision.
OFFICIAL FLAG CHOSEN AUGUST 18TH, 2020
The council chose Ashley C. Kretzschmer's design as the official Baldwin City flag.
[THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED]
Participant Guidelines
- Submission dates: June 3, 2020-July 3, 2020
- All designs must be submitted via traditional mail or delivered to one of four drop-off locations.
City of Baldwin City, PO Box 86, Baldwin City, Kansas 66006
Drop-Off Locations
- City Hall
- Lumberyard Arts Center
- Baldwin City Library
- Baldwin City Recreation Commission
Submission Specifications
- Design should be created on 3×5 note card
- Entries must include contact information: name, address, phone number, email and a paragraph (150 words or less) explaining symbolism in the flag.
- Entries should be hand-drawn and use solid colors. Please don’t submit graduated colors or digital art.
- All entries will be judged based on the North American Vexillological Association’s 5 principles of good design.
- Keep it simple: The flag should be so simple that a child can draw it from memory.
- Use meaningful symbolism: The flag’s images, colors, or patterns should relate to what it symbolizes.
- Use 2-3 basic colors: Limit the number of colors on the flag to three, which contrast well and come from the standard color set.
- No lettering or seals: Never use writing of any kind or an organization’s seal.
- Be distinctive or be related: Avoid duplicating other flags, but use similarities to show connections.
- Individuals can submit up to three different entries per person.
- Everyone is encouraged to submit.
- Entries with no identifying information will be submitted as "Anonymous."
Legal Disclaimer:
Entries that do not follow the above guidelines will not be considered. All entries become property of the City of Baldwin City and the author/creator relinquishes all rights to the design and entries are subject to disclosure under Kansas Open Records laws. The Flag Design Review Committee reserves the right to alter, modify, or combine designs to create an official City of Baldwin City flag. Submissions by members of the Flag Design Review Committee will not be considered.
Voting
- After submissions are received, the Flag Design Review Committee will participate in an extensive review/selection session to identify the top designs; then:
- Public voting will be available online from July 17 - July 31, 2020 on baldwincity.gov.
- Everyone is encouraged to vote.
- Individuals can vote only once.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD FLAG?
1. Keep it simple. The flag should be so simple a child can draw it from memory. We recommend designing on a 3x5 index card.
2. Use symbolism that reminds you of Baldwin City. The flag’s images, colors, or patterns should relate to what it symbolizes.
3. Use 2-3 basic colors. Limit the number of colors on the flag to no more than three (3) high contrast colors. No gradients.
4. Avoid lettering of any kind. Remember this is a flag, hanging on a flag pole and flapping in the wind. Lettering is not usually readable.
5. Be unique. Don’t copy other flags, although you may want to use a similarity to show a connection.
Other resources
Good flag, bad flag - North American Vexillological Association
Ted Talk - Roman Mars - Why City Flags May Be the Worst Designed Thing You’ve Never Noticed
Will my design become the flag if I win? City Council will adopt the final design as the official Baldwin City Flag.
Will there be a monetary prize? No.
Do I have to be a resident of Baldwin City to submit? No. Entry is not limited geographically.
Is there an entry limit? Each individual is allowed up to three (3) submissions.
Is there an age requirement? No. All ages are encouraged to submit.
Is there a cost to submit? No. It’s free and accessible to all.
How do I learn how to make a well-designed flag?
Where do I find materials for this project? 3x5 cards and printed instructions are available at City Hall, Baldwin City Recreation Commission, the Lumberyard Arts Center, and the Baldwin City Library. You may also purchase your own index cards or download a form here.
How do I submit my design? We request submissions be delivered in person to one of the four (4) drop-off locations, or sent via traditional mail. If this is a hardship for you, please email us and we’ll arrange an alternate submission method.