Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) is an advocacy and grantmaking organization that has been championing the state’s arts and artists since 1967. When it embarked on an outreach trade collaboration with Japan, RISCA commissioned Ahlers Designs to design custom challenge coins honoring their trade partners while instilling a sense of pride and ceremony in the momentous occasion. Gail Ahlers designed unforgettable custom cast pewter challenge coins that are inspired by RISCA’s promotion of excellence in the arts and Japan’s culture of gift giving. These timeless challenge coins are proudly made in America and feature RISCA’s anchor logo and the motivating words, “Art is the Anchor,” on one side. The other side artfully displays the State of Rhode Island seal. “I believe the quality of work helped to show my Japanese partners that we are an agency that honors craftsmanship. This will aid in our work to deepen and broaden relationships with potential collaborators in Japan and elsewhere.”  ~ Randall Rosenbaum, Executive Director –RISCA

What are Challenge Coins?

Challenge coins have been created and shared in the United States since the early 20th century to build camaraderie and express pride and fellowship. Traditionally used within many military units, Challenge coins are highly valued and kept for a lifetime. Today, their symbolic power has taken hold beyond the military. These coins commemorate a variety of pivotal, historic events, and they embody exceptional American quality and craftsmanship.