To mark the 20th annual VF Outlet Berks Jazz Fest, the Berks Arts Council asked Mike Anderson to design a special logo to commemorate the milestone festival.

Anderson created the festival's traditional neon-style logo, which has been used since the fest started in 1991. He also has been involved in coordination, preparation and typographical direction of many of the other merchandise graphics used each year for the fest.

Anderson is the general partner of The Anderson Group, Sinking Spring, Pa., and public relations/marketing director for the Reading Public Museum, Reading, Pa.

Anderson has been a volunteer member of the festival production team, serving as stage manager, for many years. In recent years, he has moved from backstage to onstage, coordinating and performing as the saxophonist with the Berks Jazz Fest Horns, along with Rob Diener (trumpet) and John Loos (trombone).

The Berks Jazz Fest Horns have backed up many major acts during the festival, including Gregg Karukas, Chuck Loeb, Jeff Kashiwa, Gerald Veasley, Heads Up All-Stars, and Chieli Minucci and Special EFX.

"Twenty years is an important milestone in the festival's history," said Anderson. "The Anderson Group has been a part of the marketing and branding efforts in one way or another since day one -- and we felt strongly about contributing this year's signature graphic."

Reminiscent of the functional, simple geometric design and san serif typography of the Bauhaus movement of the early 20th century, this year's logo has an even deeper symbolism.

Anderson said: "The first major concert back in 1991 featured world-famous trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, an impressive way to kick off the festival. He's back this year to help celebrate our 20th anniversary. The festival also will feature other notable trumpet players who have performed here over the years, including Rick Braun, Chris Botti, and Randy Brecker. That's why I wanted to include a highly stylized trumpet in some way."

"Simple is always best," added Anderson. "I strive to design memorable logos that work well in variety of media, in a variety of sizes."

The Anderson-designed logo will appear on special merchandise items commemorating the anniversary.

Anderson earned a BFA in Communication Design from Kutztown University and a MFA in Advertising Design from Syracuse University. He has served as an instructor of classes in Typography, Graphic Design and advertising at Kutztown University.

Each year, the Berks Arts Council selects an artist’s original design to use as a unique logo for VF Outlet Berks Jazz Fest merchandise.

This year’s artist piece was created by Morgantown artist Todd Walk.

His “Four Guitars” piece represents the subtle guitar influence present in this year’s festival, with performances honoring Les Paul, with Bucky Pizzarelli, Howard Alden, and Frank DiBussolo’s Guitar Summit; Frank Vignola’s Hot Club, celebrating 100 years of Django Reinhardt; blues guitarist Robert Cray; legendary guitarist Pat Martino; and Guitarzzz, featuring Chuck Loeb, Chieli Minucci and Paul Jackson, Jr., among many others.

Walk has been a commercially successful self-taught artist for the past 20 years, working primarily in pastels. He focuses mainly on contemporary pop-art, featuring a variety of subjects. “The ‘Four Guitars’ piece is by far the most successful piece I’ve ever done” said Walk. “The color and style worked perfectly. I was going through a musical series, and this idea just sort of came to me.”

His art stand has also been a festival mainstay for several years. Walk’s creations include original festival prints that are popular with festival-goers. Prints of his original painting and logo will be available for sale during the festival March 19 to 28 at the Crown Plaza Reading location. To order prints online, visit www.toddwalkgalleries.com. Click here to order merchandise with this logo.