The elusive Michigan flag

The Michigan flag flies above Miner's Den Jewlers in Royal Oak.

(MLive file photo)

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Rick DeVos thinks it's time Michigan adopt a new state flag, and his call for design submissions on Twitter is inspiring replies that showcase the mitten state's shape, its sunsets and even a six pack of beer.

Among the comical responses was a My Little Pony-inspired take on the current flag -- depicting ponies in the place of the elk and moose.

DeVos, ArtPrize founder and grandson of Amway co-founder Rich DeVos, on Tuesday tweeted his thoughts about the state's longtime flag and offered $500 to those who gin up the top three designs. He's asking that designs be submitted with the hashtag #MIFlag.

He called it "just a fun little project."

In a series of tweets, DeVos said:

DeVos asked designers to stick to basic colors, incorporate meaningful symbolism and be distinctive. He also requested that submissions don't include lettering or seals -- much unlike the state's current flag.

Michigan's flag was first unfurled during a ceremony at Gettysburg on July 4, 1865. It was approved by a public act in 1911 and is Michigan's third since becoming a state in 1837.

It features the coat of arms showing an eagle holding an olive branch and arrows. An elk and moose support a shield depicting a man standing on a grassy peninsula.

The coat of arms reads the Latin mottos: E Pluribus Unum (From many, one), Tuebor (I will defend) and Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice (If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you).

Michigan Democratic Party Chair Brandon Dillon, of Grand Rapids, joined the conversation with a tweet of a photo of the Amway logo saying, "how about this? Good colors, nice font, really let's everyone know who's in charge. I like it."

DeVos called Dillon a "weirdo" and an "odd man" in a snarky back-and-forth exchange that ensued.