The city of Cortez has selected a commemorative logo ahead of 2026, when the United States, Colorado, Cortez and Mesa Verde celebrate anniversaries.
“The logo is purely commemorative,” said Helen West, the city’s community and economic development specialist. “It will not replace any official city logos or brands.”
It will be used “in promotional materials” next year when the United States turns 250 years old; Colorado, 150; Cortez, 140; Mesa Verde National Park, 120.
Ten artists submitted their work for the contest, and a committee of city employees chose three winners. Nicholas Arbogast came in first place and won $500; Sylis Eckhart was second and won $200, and Michael Grove was third and won $100.
All artists will be recognized at the City Council meeting on July 8 at 7:30 p.m.
“I was surprised to hear I won,” said first-place winner Arbogast. “I knew I made a good design, but you never know if it’s the style the judges are looking for.”
Arbogast, 25, featured Ute Mountain in the background, Mesa Verde in the foreground and a bit of the red walls of McElmo Canyon.
“I enjoy the outdoors and wanted to highlight the diverse landscape of Montezuma County while creating the logo,” he said.
The square shape of the logo conveys the rough shape of the state, and the yellow, orange and purple were inspired by sunsets of Southwest Colorado.
Judges were looking for a striking, easily recognized design that worked on large and small platforms, a city news release said, to be used in marketing for the 140th celebration.
It’s free to download on the city’s website, and residents and businesses are encouraged to use it. All other city logos are protected by copyright law.
The Colorado Commission has created “250-150” regions to organize anniversary celebrations next year, and Montezuma County is one of seven in the southwest region.
The theme, “The View From Here,” is meant to offer the opportunity to “consider our shared past, celebrate the present, and chart the course for Colorado’s next chapter,” according to a news release from the 250-150 Commission.
The goal is to “inspire connection, community engagement and statewide pride across all 64 counties,” the news release said.
A Digital Passport Program will allow travelers and locals track their exploration of Colorado. It will launch this summer and run through 2026 online at Colorado.com or on the MyColorado app.
Tourism is an economic driver in Southwest Colorado, and West said she hopes to draw tourists to the area. There’s also talk of film festivals across the state, a 14er climb and revitalization of historic roadside signs. She also touted the city’s Third Thursdays events.
Any local organizations that plans to host events is encouraged to add them to History Colorado’s event calendar online, contact Colorado 150 Southwest and West at hwest@cortezco.gov.
Some funding is available across the state for the events, and getting the word out about events in Cortez might help boost tourism.
“I want to help highlight Cortez as an important place in Colorado,” she said.
