A West Michigan native is the artist behind something people across the country will have in their pockets and on their dressers.

Emily Damstra is the artist who created the image on the brand-new Maya Angelou coin.

Damstra said when she learned her art had been chosen to be on the first coin released in the American Women Quarters Program.

Now living in Canada, Damstra's love of art started here in West Michigan nurtured by her mother and teachers at Forest Hills Northern.

Damstra said.

Specializing in detailed illustrations of nature, Damstra applied and was chosen to be part of the United States Mint Artistic Infusion program, a group of artists who produce designs for coins.

Damstra said.

Damstra re-read read a lot of Angelou's poetry and reviewed a bunch of images of her.

Damstra said.

You'll see that uplifting spirit in Damstra's design including the bird and sun images from Angelou's writing. Damstra gives credit to her parents for always supporting her dream to be an artist and has advice for anyone else who wants to go for it.

Damstra said.

To read the complete article, see:
W. MI native is artist behind new Maya Angelou coin(https://www.woodtv.com/news/national/w-mi-native-is-artist-behind-new-maya-angelou-coin/)

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
MAYA ANGELOU QUARTER NEWS COVERAGE(https://www.coinbooks.org/v25/esylum_v25n03a18.html)