My Washington State Quarter Design.



After spending a number of hours creating & drawing
a design for the Washington State Quarter in accordance
with the existing submittal rules, I now find out the
new Governor has changed the rules.

Originally artwork submissions were requested, but now
it has been changed to just a narrative of the design,
and no one will be individually recognized for design(s).

When I wrote to the governor's office I was tempted to
add a comment regarding how well it follows socialist
principles to avoid recognition of those who contributed
designs for the state coin.

The response I got was typical "Greater good" socialist
philosophy... which offers little incentive for anyone
to excel since all contributions are of "equal value".
(Previous emails are in text below)

I'm sure it would also destroy the self esteem of all
whose submissions were not selected.

But you can see what I did send at the URL below or
by clicking the thumbnail image at the top or bottom...

https://pbase.com/mark_42/image/64509129

Here's the Washington State Quarter webpage:
http://www.governor.wa.gov/quarter/

_____________________________________________________________________
This message was sent to me not long after Gregoire took office...

Hi Mark:
Kathleen Oest forwarded your message to me, as I am now the person responding to those
submitting state quarter design ideas. I will send an acknowledge letter out to you
ASAP, as well as forward your mailing address to the State Treasurer's Office - they are
holding all designs until the new Governor decides on a process for selection, sometime
in early 2005. As Kathleen said in her earlier message to you, you most likely will
not be notified by the Governor's office unless your design is chosen.

Thanks for your follow through on this - we want to make sure everyone's designs get
into the pool!
Best,
Deane Shellman
Administrative Program Staff
Washington State Arts Commission
PO Box 42675
Olympia WA 98504-2675
(360) 753-3861
www.arts.wa.gov
_____________________________________________________________________

Then a follow-up message came...

Mark,
In April of 2005, Governor Christine Gregoire announced the formation of the Washington State
Quarter Advisory Commission. The Commission is tasked with developing the narrative design
concepts to be presented to the U.S. Mint and making recommendations to the Governor
regarding
the final design of the Washington State quarter.

The State Treasurer�s office and the State Arts Commission have already received hundreds of
graphic design submissions, and are now providing a further opportunity for participation.
The public is invited to submit narrative design suggestions online at www.governor.wa.gov/quarter.
In 100 words or less, describe what images or words should appear on the state quarter.
The deadline for submissions is July 30, 2005.

Mike Gregoire noted, �This design process is not a contest, it is an opportunity to participate
creatively in a historic undertaking. There are no prizes, and no artists or writers will be
recognized individually.�
The graphic design of the coin will be done by a U.S. Mint team of sculptor-engravers
who are entrusted with creating designs and sculptural models for the production of the
Nation's coins. The Advisory Commission is asking people to suggest ideas that they think best
represent Washington, the U.S. Mint will then create a design based on the narrative suggestions
forwarded to them by the Advisory Commission and the Governor. Previously submitted graphic design
ideas are being reviewed by the Commission and will be influential in creating or selecting the
narratives for submission to the U.S. Mint.
Ultimately hundreds of people in Washington will submit identical or similar suggestions and to
give 'name credit' to only one individual would be a disservice to everyone who participates.
Washington State is following the guidelines set forth by the federal government and the US Mint's
own rules of coin design.

Thank you for your comments. We appreciate hearing the views of Washington's citizens.
Sincerely,
Mark Asbel Gerth
Communications Manager
Washington State Arts Commission
360.586.8093
_____________________________________________________________________

My Response:

It's not just an issue recognition... It's really more one
of perceived disregard for the previous efforts that went
into prior submissions.

I'm glad to hear that previously submitted artwork will at
least be kept and reviewed.

I would think that recognition for multiple submission of similar
designs could be shared among individuals who submitted them.