Barrier-Free Library: Seeing with the Senses: A Celebration of Art for Those with Low Vision and Blindness

Event Details

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum present an afternoon of art-making workshops, salon-style conversation and touch tours. 

 

 

1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.  Introduction and Panel Discussion
Museum Educators discuss access programs for people with low vision and blindness.

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.  Salon-style Conversation about Art through Verbal Imaging and Touch             Presented by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum Access Program Staff
Originating in 17th-century Italy and France, a salon is a gathering of people under the roof of a host who facilitates an experience that is both educational and social.  The “Heiskell Salon” will focus on art and evolve around the interests and contributions of the participants who are welcome to come and go as they wish. 

2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.  Seeing through Drawing –  Session I
3:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.  Seeing through Drawing –  Session II
Presented by The Metropolitan Museum of Art Access Program Staff
Seeing through Drawing is a unique art-making class that focuses on the process of drawing, rather than the more usual three-dimensional approach to art-making for people with visual impairments. Through the use of tactile materials such as highly textured paper and high-contrast drawing materials, it makes drawing accessible to individuals who are blind or partially sighted.

2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.   Verbal Description and Touch Tour –  Session I
3:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.   Verbal Description and Touch Tour –  Session II
Presented by The Whitney Museum of American Art Access Program Staff.
Verbal Description and Touch Tours at The Whitney Museum of American Art provide an opportunity for visitors who are blind or have low vision and their companions to experience the richness and diversity of 20th and 21st century American art.  In concert with conservators, curators, and artists, Whitney Educators identify original artworks, material samples, tactile graphics, and reproductions that help bring exhibitions vividly to life through touch.  In this workshop, a mini-tour of highlights from the Whitney's collection will include detailed descriptions and opportunities to learn through tactile exploration.