Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ

Student designs Gold Rush shirt artwork

October 17, 2022
Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ junior Gracie Weems designed artwork that was chosen for the official Gold Rush Days Festival T-shirt.

Article By: Denise Ray

A University of North Georgia (Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ) student designed the official 2022 Gold Rush Days Festival commemorative T-shirt. Gracie Weems, a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in visual arts with a ceramics and printmaking concentration, was excited to get the news.

"I really enjoyed designing the shirt and making something to represent this lovely town," Weems said. "I didn't really have a specific inspiration for the design aside from the mountains of Dahlonega. I looked at some designs that I liked and pulled inspiration from those, while changing and adding my own twists."

The shirt was offered in short-sleeved (green, gold and purple) and long-sleeved versions (gray). Both had Weems' depiction of mountains, trees and flowing river on the back.

"Our process is to give an idea for a design and let the artist create and bring it to life. Then, we work with them to finalize the design. I guess you could say this year is celebrating the mountains and the gold history," Melissa Walton, Gold Rush Days vendor chair, said of the selection process.

"I was really excited to hear that my design was chosen to win. I can't wait to see people around town wearing a shirt that I designed, and I love that I was able to help out with Gold Rush in a way," Weems said. "This festival is so iconic to Dahlonega and I'm glad to play a part in it."

Weems is originally from McDonough, Georgia, but moved to Dahlonega two years ago for school and loves it. She takes advantage of the area's natural beauty while she enjoys hiking and camping. 

Proceeds from the two-day festival provide college scholarships, direct family aid, and donations to nonprofits, the Empty Stocking Christmas program, and other local support initiatives.


AGENT Initiative offers cyber education tools

AGENT Initiative offers cyber education tools

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ hosted its fifth annual Advancing GenCyber Education for North Georgia Teachers Initiative from June 2-6 to help 24 middle and high school teachers learn ways of teaching cybersecurity.
Hardee, Williams part of USG leadership program

Hardee, Williams part of USG leadership program

Dr. Sheri Hardee and Greg Williams were part of the University System of Georgia's 2024-25 Executive Leadership Institute cohort.
Book published by Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Press earns award

Book published by Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Press earns award

A book published by the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Press earned the second-place grand prize for non-fiction in the 2025 Next Generation Indie Book Awards.
Cyber students make strong showings

Cyber students make strong showings

Cybersecurity students from Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ turned in strong performances in the National Cyber League, National Cyber Exercise and SummitCTF during the spring semester.