BRUNSWICK — NorthWest Brunswick Neighborhood Association has announced a competition for the design of a seal for a new Village Marker program.

This program will result in bronze plaques that will identify both residential and commercial buildings in the heart of historic Brunswick, increasing awareness of the architectural and historic interest of the area.

Artists are invited to submit designs until Oct. 31. The chosen design will be announced the first week of November and the first orders for plaques can be fulfilled as early as Dec. 21. Interested artists can find the specifications for the design and official entry form at www.HistoricNorthWestBrunswick.org.

The bronze plaques will be offered at cost in a basic oval featuring the winning design for approximately $120. They can also be ordered to include additional information such as the name of the original builder or owner of the property, date, etc.

“I’ve seen the benefits of marker programs in other towns — they offer visual unification and identity to the historically-significant heritage of village areas. With such a foundation, this type of branding can have far-reaching impact on a community, starting with civic pride and eventually providing the basis for walking tours and a guidebook that would engage visitors and residents alike,” NWBNA organizer Laura Lienert, who has launched this initiative, said in a news release.

This new Village Marker program is sponsored by NWBNA, in collaboration with the Village Improvement Association, the Village Review Board and the Brunswick Downtown Association.

The NWBNA describes itself as a “residential network whose mission is to enhance and preserve the character and landscape of our desirable downtown location. Realizing there is more to a neighborhood than a collection of buildings, the NWBNA board works to build and strengthen ties between neighbors and the downtown community. This spirit is reflected in the generous participation of our residents in making enjoyable events for both our neighborhood and the community at large.”

For more information, call Laura Lienert at 798-7990 or Marybeth Burbank at 725-5904.