University of North Georgia (UNG) senior Christina Packard has met Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal not once but twice.
The self-proclaimed "senior, senior" student met him for the first time in 2015 when her photograph was one of several pieces selected to hang in the capital building. Packard earned this honor by entering the Georgia Arts Council contest.
Fast-forward two years and the now 68-year-old Dahlonega, Georgia, woman's artistic talent gained the attention of Deal once again. Packard entered her painting of Wahoo Creek in Gainesville, Georgia, in the Georgia Arts Council contest. It was selected as one of 33 pieces to hang in the governor's office.
"I couldn't believe it happened again," said Packard, who is working to earn her Bachelor of Science in art marketing and Bachelor of Arts in studio art. "The picture was the first time I tried plein air painting, which is painting outdoors."
Packard admitted it's not her most outstanding painting, but she is glad she entered the contest. Packard explained setting new goals for herself in retirement can deal her new surprises.
"I'm seeing just because you get older doesn't mean you are through," she said. "It's like going to school. You are never too old to learn."
