42 DIVERSEability Magazine www.diverseabilitymagazine.com
FEATURE
E
nvision, a leading nonprofit employing and furthering possibilities for those who are blind or have low vision, has opened a irst-of-its-kind national permanent gallery that gives visually impaired artists a stage to showcase their work. Located in Wichita, Kan., the Envision Arts Gallery and Commu- nity Engagement Center defies the obstacles faced by marginalized artists who are blind or visually impaired (BVI) and gives those with intellectual and developmental disabili- ties (IDD) as well as sighted and neurotypical audiences, a chance to experience art through multiple senses. As the Gallery space rotates, the exclusive exhibits will host nationally renowned BVI and IDD artists such as John Bramblitt, whose art has been sold in over 100 countries around the world. Its about something much greater than art. Its the foundation of where it all stems from, said Sarah Kephart, program manager of Envision Arts. Everyone has a story to tell. Whether youre sighted or blind from birth or in an accident, we all want to tell our story. The sighted world has put perceptions and pa- rameters around what the blind and visually impaired community wants to do and can do. Envision is expanding these limits. We help people realize their potential through self-ex- pression. The first Envision Arts Gallery exhibition has been designed to showcase portraits of the Envision Arts programs dedicated artists who are blind or visually impaired and/or have dis- abilities. The Main Gallery features inspiring work from 18 different BVI artists highlight- ing their stories and success. The Community Portrait Wall in the Patricia A. Peer Window Gallery offers an experiential photo exhibit in which the community can directly engage and participate - giving an opportunity and ded- icated space for conversations about accessi- bility, diversity, equity and inclusion. Artist Roshunda Holts piece, Waterfall with Willow Tree, is among the first of the
An Art Gallery for and by the Visually Impaired
The First of Its Kind
work exhibited. Small and shiny ceramic piec- es are combined to create a mosaic landscape depicting a waterfall that flows into a river on the horizon in front of a large willow tree. While the weeping willow tree symbolizes shade over sadness, the cascading water helps purify to wash it away and bring in new life. Its tactile and colorful surface allows people to touch and experience the artwork with mul- tiple senses other than just vision. Art cannot be put into a box - thats what makes it special, said Holt, who has been recognized by the American Printing House for the Blind, Annual Insight Art Exhibition in Louisville, Ky. I was diagnosed at 23 with Retinitis Pigmentosa, which is a genetic con- dition, so I knew I was going to lose my sight - but that did not stop me from pursuing art. And now, I hope I can inspire young artists of all abilities to never stop creating.
BVI Artist Tomiyo Tajiri poses with her 3-D ceramic sculpture depict- ing a Japanese landscape.
Previous Page