CANADIAN INSTITUTE FOR THE BLIND COIN DESIGNER

Kitchener artist Meghan Sims has designed the coin to mark the 100th anniversary of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.

She said the coin is steeped in symbolism and celebrates the past and the future of the community.

Sims's design for the Royal Canadian Mints's project marks a different turn for them as its the first time they've included braille on a coin and commissioned an artist who has a rare visual condition that does not allow her to see colours. Sims has achromatopsia, which means she sees only a few feet in front of her, in grayscale and is extremely sensitive to light.

"Never did I think that I would have this opportunity to speak for the CNIB and it brought home that sense of pride I was looking for to represent others," Sims said.

"I just feel very proud, to be blind, partially sighted in Canada today."

Sims explained her coin on an interview with CBC K-W's The Morning Edition. The highlights she noted:

• A convex horizontal line signifying a horizon.

• A circle that doubles as an Iris represents a setting sun and a rising moon suggesting the element of time past and future

• Seven Jack Pine trees represents the seven gentleman who started the CNIB in 1918. As well Jack Pines grow in harsh environments and thrive after a forest fire.

• A forest, which Sims describes as a place of refuge for her because of her visual condition. Meghan is light sensitive and finds the forest represents a place of safety and refuge, just like the CNIB.

• In Braille, engraved is CNIB-100-INCA.

To read the complete article, see:
CNIB centennial coin by Kitchener artist etched in symbolism (http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/cnib-meghan-sims-kitchener-artist-1.4595298)

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
CANADIAN NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR THE BLIND COIN (http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n12a28.html)

Greens call her. Green speaks to her.

It is the colour of the emerald iris on a commemorative silver coin and bronze medallion set she designed for the Royal Canadian Mint. The set honours 100 years of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.

Both discs include the number "100" engraved in braille.

"Green is actually my favourite shade of grey," explained Sims, whose rare visual condition is called achromatopsia.

"Green is said to be the most calming and restful colour to the eye because of how it reflects light. It also represents growth and prosperity and hope."

That's why she chose green to oversee seven jack pines, growing defiantly on harsh, rocky shores.

"I wanted that to represent the deaf-blind community in the face of adversity," said Sims, noting that they also represent the seven founding members of the CNIB. "We stand strong and proud."

Sims can be proud too. Her Canadian coin set is the first one designed by a visually impaired artist. She started with ink and a crow's feather quill while listening to some tunes by The Be Good Tanyasand Taken By Trees to set the creative mood. She had a month to submit her sketches after being asked by the Mint to take a run at the concept.

Now, when she holds the coins close, she sees her grandmother Marie's face. Marie, who used to collect such coins and gift them to her grandkids for Christmas, is gone. But the coins carry her sparkle.

"It's funny, giving coins as gifts was so characteristic of her," Sims said. "I suppose I took it for granted. I could have never imagined that my grandmother gifting coins all those years ago would have such sentimental significance to me today."

To read the complete article, see:
Freshly minted art (https://www.therecord.com/news-story/8372270-freshly-minted-

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