What Does the Logo Represent?
The 2017 International Master Gardener Conference logo is a silhouette of the state of Oregon. The conference theme ‘Follow the Oregon Trail to Great Gardening‘ appears along the upper edge of the state, roughly approximating the route of the Oregon Trail, that was used by trappers, traders, and settlers for westward migrations. Orange is an integral part of the identity of Oregon State University (the land grant university that administers the Extension Master Gardener Program in Oregon). The orange silhouette of the state also mirrors the badges worn by Oregon State University’s Extension Master Gardener volunteers.
The color black, together with orange, completes the Oregon State University school colors. The watering can symbolizes gardening, and the water coming from the spout references the nurtured growth of gardeners who come to the IMGC. The rose coming out of the watering can blooms in the approximate location of the conference ~ the city of Portland. One popular nickname for Portland is the City of Roses, or Rose City.
What About a statewide Logo?
Although the conference will be held in Portland, Oregon, we have over 4,100 volunteers across the state who contribute the Master Gardener program ~ many of whom plan on attending the conference. In addition, we are planning to host pre- and post-conference tours that will allow attendees to visit our beautiful beaches, mountains and valleys. Thus, additional iterations of the logo are in the works that echo the statewide contributions of Master Gardener volunteers in Oregon and the opportunities that the conference will offer for statewide representation. The conference theme ‘Follow the Oregon Trail to Great Gardening’ will follow the same wavy route. But, instead of stemming from the bloom of the rose, Oregon’s state insect (the Oregon Swallowtail Butterfly) or Oregon’s state flower (Oregon grape) will be the image leading the charge of the conference theme.
Who Came Up with the Logo?
Graphic design students at Oregon State University came up with the initial concept for this logo. Together with other draft logos, Master Gardeners and others were invited to submit feedback. We received over 300 votes and comments on six different logo ideas! After taking feedback into account, the student designers developed the logo that you see here.
We hope that you like it, and that you think ‘2017 International Master Gardener Conference’ when you see the logo.