It has launched a debate on social media, does Michigan's state flag need a redesign?
Grand Rapids Artprize co-founder Rick Devos seems to think so and he's holding a social media contest for fun.
Devos on social media is calling the flag 'ugly' and a 'big missed opportunity.'
"It's been around a long time," said Kittie Lynch who likes the current flag. "It's a good flag."
"Ugly?" said Tracy Parahm. "I wouldn't say ugly but maybe we can upgrade it, can always switch it up."
Devos has encouraged his Twitter follows to submit ideas for a redesign via Twitter and is offering three winners (at his discretion) a $500 prize.
Dozen's of people have submitted their ideas, including Lansing School Board president Peter Spadafore, who says his submission took him about three minutes to create.
"I'm a big fan of the Michigan flag," said Spadafore. "I thought I'd throw my hat in the ring, it was a fun conversation."
"It really let's you explore what people view as the symbols that represent 'we' as Michiganders," said Spadafore.
According to a government website, the state flag dates back to July 1865. In 1911, the flag adopted the phrase, "The State Flag shall be blue charged with the arms of the state."
Many ideas were suggested in downtown Lansing Friday as to what differently could be done with the flag.
"I understand we do have whitetail deer but it's very outdated," said Brook Rose. "Either get rid of the deer or make them smaller, they've got to go."
"It'd be me, I'll put myself on the flag because I'm a representative of we the people," said Tracy Parahm.
There are no official plans to change the Michigan flag at this time.
Tuesday night was the deadline to enter but Devos still wants to see idea's. You can submit your idea by visiting Rick Devos's Twitter page.
