Student designs challenge coins for legislator

University of North Georgia (UNG) junior Abby Colwell designed three challenge coins for state Rep. Will Wade, who represents Dawson, Lumpkin and White counties, and who created a contest for UNG's visual arts students.

Colwell, a native of Alpharetta, Georgia, was notified in late April of her success while in Craig Wilson's drawing class.

"I was speechless for a little bit and I just kind of showed him the e-mail. I was like, 'Look, look, I won.' And he got excited," Colwell said. "I'm still shocked and very honored to be able to have this opportunity. I say that it's a blessing from the Lord, for sure.”

Colwell, who is pursuing a degree in studio art, researched what challenge coins were and the three counties to create each of her designs in Autodesk software.

The Dawson coin is more of a general Georgia theme with a peach while the gold museum and the Appalachian Mountains are on the Lumpkin coin. The White County coin highlights the Etowah Indian mound.

All three designs include an outline of the county, its name and stars, and each came with a $500 award.

"I was hoping for at least one, but winning all three was very surprising for me. I was not expecting that at all," Colwell said. "The win has given me more confidence. It's confirmed my belief that I can do something with my art and people enjoy it. Indeed, it's kind of mind blowing.”

Each winning design will be minted into challenge coins that Wade said he will distribute to individuals who perform acts of excellence in their field or vocation.

“I believe in supporting the arts and I’m a supporter of young adults who are trying to seek their passion,” Wade said.