ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. -- The Elkhart County Commissioners announced Monday that a contest is open to the public to create the new official seal of Elkhart County, awarding the winner a $1,000 cash prize.

Along with being selected and winning $1,000, the artist chosen will receive public recognition and a custom designed trophy for their efforts.

“This will be public art, created by the public. There’s no one better suited to help modernize our official seal than the people who live and work here. In our estimation, this region creates some of the most artful and well-crafted things in the world,” said Suzie Weirick, President of the Elkhart County Commissioners.

The contest is expected to finish in December when the commissioners will host an award show for three finalists.

Second and third place artists will receive public recognition and a custom-designed plaque for their seal designs.

The selection of the finalists and the winner of this contest will be decided by the commissioners who announced they will take votes casted by the public into consideration.

To view the rules, design guidelines, vote for your favorite design and to submit an entry for this seal competition, visit here.