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Original art marks the path for Rutherfordton's Gold Mile

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Those who embark on the Gold Mile trail in Rutherfordton may not realize that each gold coin denoting the one-mile loop is a handmade, original piece of art.

The coins, made from a bronze clay that is a combination of copper and tin, are being crafted by Lake Lure artist Susan Brooks.

The Gold Mile, which officially opened earlier this year, was a literal dream of one of the Rutherford County Tourism Asset Foundation's board members, explained Leniece Lane, marketing and branding with the McConnell Group Public Relations and member of the Rutherford County Visual Arts Guild. The RCTAF has spearheaded the Gold Mile Trail project.

"Molly Oakman came in one day and said she'd had a dream of a gold mile around Rutherfordton to the Bechtler House," Lane said. "And it was decided that wasn't a bad idea!"

Brooks, whose works include jewelry, was approached by TAF to create the coins. Brooks had previously made a necklace featuring a gold coin similar to the Christopher Bechtler $1 gold coin, which was minted in Rutherford County in 1832, 17 years before the U.S. Mint began to issue gold coins.

Prior to beginning to make the coins, a project Brooks describes as being "a bit overwhelming," research was done on creating a stamp for the clay that would look like the Bechtler coin.

"We worked together to get the design before the stamp was made," Brooks said. "I have never done production before, and this is production. I like to do one of a kind works, and this is 200 of the same. But there is something very meditative about it. Being a part of a project like this is hard to put into words."

Each coin is hand rolled and stamped. Then, each has to cure for 24 to 48 hours followed by sanding, which Brooks does using an emery board. Once those steps are taken, the coins go to a kiln for firing, which takes about a half a day, she said. More polishing follows before a finished coin is ready.

"The whole process takes about four days start to finish to make a coin," Brooks added.

There are variations in each coin, which makes them all the more authentic for the trail history, Lane said.

"Christopher Bechtler's coins were not perfect," Lane explained. "He handmade his coins, too. Susan's coins are authentic to what Bechtler did, and each are distinctive. These are not just coins, but an actual replica of a piece of history."

The coins are being created and installed in batches of 30, and many coins already dot the loop around Rutherfordton. Those who purchase coins also become a part of the town's history, Brooks said. And there are often stories that go along with each coin purchase, Lane added.

"We've had individuals whose family owned a store here who've bought a coin and asked that it be installed in front of that location," Lane said. "I like to get the order forms and hear their stories."

Brooks own family has roots in Rutherford County. Her grandparents were owners of the Pumpkin Center of the South house in Lake Lure.

"I grew up visiting family here all my life," Brooks said. "We moved here in 2009, and I got into jewelry making when I neared retirement. All my life I've been doing something artistic for fun. I'd be happy in a studio all day."

Brooks isn't the only local artist involved in making the trail markers. Rutherfordton artist Tom Elfers provided the discs the coins are set in, and Tri-City Laser is providing the engraving. Each finished coin is being placed into the sidewalk and covered with an epoxy to prevent them from being damaged.

Those who would like to leave their mark on the Gold Mile, which begins and ends at the Bechtler House on West Sixth Street, may order a coin through the TAF's website, tourismassetfoundation.weebly.com. Each coin is $200, and is tax deductible.

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