Amanda Waltz submitted three designs for consideration in a contest to establish Columbus’ next Ethnic Expo logo.

In the end, it was her first design that earned her top honors.

Event organizers wanted a fresh look for the international festival this year, given that the previous logo — a hand with confetti — was 25 years old and looked dated.

A competition generated 82 proposals for logo designs, said Ali Crimmins, chairwoman of the Ethnic Expo committee. But she said Waltz, 30, a senior graphic artist at The Republic, distinguished herself with a simple yet effective design that finds the essence of what the event is about.

The word “Ethnic” has faded images of a crowd of people within the lettering. “Expo” is written in cursive at its base. The logo is mostly blue, which Waltz said symbolizes purity, stability and peace.

Ethnic Expo draws together vendors and visitors of different nationalities in the spirit of intercultural respect. It will be Oct. 12 and 13 in downtown Columbus and include ethnic food booths, cultural exhibits, live performances, a bazaar, a parade and fireworks.

Waltz said she is honored to win the competition. She said the fact that the logo will be prominently displayed for perhaps years to come in promotional materials for the event and at the event makes winning special.

She doesn’t know yet how she will spend the $500 prize. She also will get two shirts that feature her logo design, will ride in the Ethnic Expo parade and be recognized at the judges’ stand.

The parade is Oct. 13.

Waltz, a Columbus native, graduated from Columbus North High School and received a degree in journalism from Franklin College. She has been with The Republic’s parent company, Home News Enterprises, for seven years.

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