The E-Sylum:  Volume 6, Number 51, November 30, 2003, Article 10

U.S. MINT ARTISTIC INFUSION PROGRAM

  The U.S. Mint just published a press release about their new
  "Artistic Infusion" program.  The following are some excerpts
  from the release.  Follow the link to read the full release.

  "The United States Mint invites American artists to participate
  in its new Artistic Infusion Program to help design U.S. coins
  and medals. The program will provide an opportunity for artists
  to be part of the rich history of artistry in United States coinage.
  The United States Mint is notifying colleges, art publications
  and art associations of its ?Call for Artists.?

  ?Coin design is a fine, ancient art,? said United States Mint
  Director Henrietta Holsman Fore.  ?Artistic Infusion will mark
  a historic change in the United States Mint?s 211 year history.
  We are looking forward to working with a group of great
  American artists, as we seek enduring images that reflect a
  great Nation?s values.?

  "Master and Associate Designers selected for the program
  will enter into one-year renewable agreements with the United
  States Mint. They will be invited to create and submit at least
  one new design annually for a coin or medal program.  Each
  Master Designer submitting a design will receive an honorarium
  of $1000.  Associate Designers will receive $500. United
  States Mint sculptor/engravers will model the designs
  submitted by the Artistic Infusion Program artists."

  http://www.usmint.gov/pressroom/index.cfm?action=press_release&ID=469

  [It will be interesting to follow the outcome of this program,
  but my first impression is that it hardly seems worth an artist's
  time to develop a design for a lousy $1,000.  Since the Mint
  sculptor/engravers would do the hard work of turning the
  design into workable dies, perhaps the Mint feels that's a fair
  price.   But given the level of fees,  their offer seems more likely
  to attract only amateurs, not professionals.

  And speaking of  the sculptor/engravers, how are they going to
  feel about having their own artistic freedom taken away?   If
  they could regain that freedom (and make much more money)
  in the private sector, what would keep them at the mint?   I
  worry that the law of unintended consequences could turn this
  otherwise fine-sounding idea into a big mess.  Other thoughts?
  -Editor]

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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