The Canadian Association for Numismatic Education (CAFNE) is once again hosting its yearly reception during the annual Royal Canadian Numismatic Association (RCNA) Convention, which is being held in Calgary this year.
On July 18, from 5:45 p.m.-9 p.m., the CAFNE board will welcome nearly 100 people to the University of Calgary’s Nickle Galleries, which is home to “one of the most important numismatic collections in Canada” according to its curators. Formerly known as the Nickle Arts Museum, the Nickle Galleries also boasts contemporary art focusing on Western Canada plus an extensive collection of textiles.
“They also have a very special numismatic exhibit planned, and it’s going to be very exciting,” said CAFNE Secretary Paul Johnson, who’s also the executive secretary of the RCNA.
Until July 20, an exhibition entitled “Money and Calgary” will explore the Alberta city’s rich numismatic history. These artifacts, plus archival material from the Calgary Numismatic Society – the host of this year’s convention – will be on display at the CAFNE reception.
“They’re allowing about 100 people to attend the event, and nearly that number have registered for it now,” said Johnson, on June 10. “It’ll be very good, and everyone attending will receive a token for a complimentary drink at the reception and free “hors d’oeuvres” throughout the evening.
CAFNE officials will be taking donations “both in advance and at the reception,” Johnson said, adding CCN editor Mike Walsh is co-sponsoring the event.
RECENT FUNDING
Last year’s reception raised nearly $18,000, and Johnson is expecting a similar outpouring of support this July.
“That money goes towards educational programs in Canada. We had a number of different associations and places ask for grants for different educational programs,” he said, adding the Toronto Coin Expo receives a grant for its educational program while the Atlantic Provinces Numismatic Association received one for its convention earlier this year.
This March, CAFNE director Yvon Marquis, who’s also a former president of the RCNA, made an official presentation of grant funding to Le Club de Numismates du Bas St-Laurent (CNBSL) President Louis-Régis Côté.
“I took few minutes to explain the 40 members in attendance the importance to support CAFNE so we can support numismatic education,” said Marquis, who added CNBSL members were unaware of their club’s request and “were very happy with our grant.”
The next CAFNE board meeting will also be held during the 2019 RCNA Convention on July 21 at 8:30 a.m.
For more information about CAFNE, visit cafne.ca.