Gallery wants Islanders to design, select Vashon’s official flag

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If Two Wall Gallery has its way, Vashon will soon be able to wave its very own “official flag.”

Following on last year’s Vashon Flag Competition, the gallery is hosting its second and final flag design competition — with the goal of choosing the Island’s official flag.

Last year, Two Wall garnered 40 entries from 15 people, “and after much disagreement among both the judges and the public, we chose Adria Pontious’ charming design that incorporates the bicycle tree,” according to Greg Wessel, who championed the effort.

“We recognized then that no design captured the majority of the community’s support, and also that many of the designers did not follow the standard design principles for creating a flag, mainly because we didn’t know them ourselves,” he added. “This time, we’re doing it differently.”

Here’s how it will work. Anyone — no matter age, skill level or even residency — can submit a design for a flag for Vashon and Maury Islands. However, participants must follow the design guidelines established by the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA), which are available on its website: www.nava.org/. Please read a downloadable publication called “Good Flag, Bad Flag,” found on its site at www.nava.org/Flag%20Design/index.php.

To enter, submit a paper (or cloth) copy of the design, colored as intended and no smaller than 8.5 by 11 inches, as well as the participant’s contact information and a paragraph describing the design and why it represents Vashon.

Participants may submit more than one design.

Submittals, which must be received by March 15, should be dropped off at the Heron’s Nest Gallery or mailed to Wessel at 11055 Palisades Ave. S.W., Vashon, 98070.

Five judges will choose five to 10 finalists, whose flags will be displayed at Two Wall during April. The community will choose the winning flag.

For more information, contact Greg Wessel at twowallgallery@aol.com or at 250-2222.