Got designs on state's quarter?

Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Feb 10, 2004 by KIM NGUYEN THE GAZETTE

DENVER - Will it be Pikes Peak, Royal Gorge or the state flower?

For now, it's a tossup what image will appear on the Colorado quarter.

Gov. Bill Owens kicked off the first phase of the design process for the state's quarter Monday. The quarter will be minted for distribution in June 2006.

Coloradans can get in their two cents by submitting their designs and illustrations through May 10.

"Think about what you want the nation and the rest of the world to think about Colorado," Owens said. "The task won't be easy."

The entries will be reviewed by the Colorado Commemorative Quarter Advisory Commission, appointed by the governor, with first lady Frances Owens as chairman.

"These designs should be narratives," the first lady said. "Describe what you think will serve the state."

Twelve people were chosen from across Colorado to be on the commission. They will tell Frances Owens what their regions envision for the quarter.

The commission will select as many as five finalists in the fall; the governor will make the final decision, although it must be approved by the secretary of the treasury.

Students from St. Mary's Academy in Englewood on Monday showed their designs on a silver-painted piece of cardboard. It featured columbine flowers, the Rocky Mountains and the buffalo.

The quarter first was minted in 1796.

In 1999, the United States Mint began the 50 State Quarters Program, a 10-year project to commemorate each state. Each state quarter is released in the order of admission into the Union. Colorado became the 38th state August 1, 1876.

CONTACT THE WRITER: 303-837-0613 or knguyen@gazette.com

How would you design it?

What image do you think would best represent Colorado on our commemorative quarter? Sketch your idea on 8 1/2-by-11 inch paper and mail or e-mail it to us. We'll pick the most interesting ones for inclusion in an online gallery at gazette.com. We can accept color and black and white designs. We also will forward all designs to the governor's commission for consideration.

Entries must be postmarked or e-mailed by Friday. Please include a name and phone number so we can publish names with our selections.

To submit by mail: Internet Division, The Gazette, 30 S. Prospect St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

To submit by e-mail: Scan your drawing, save it (preferably as a .JPG file), and send to ggreene@gazette.com. Questions, 476-1634.

To send your design ideas directly to the governor's commission: Log onto www.colorado.gov/quarter and click on "submission form."