Shared Visions: Tactile Art Exhibition

Art has, historically, represented visionary ideas and thinking. Yet sometimes, the most visionary art showcases do not rely on vision at all. On Thursday, November 11, Arapahoe Community College (ACC) hosted its opening night for the annual “Shared Visions: Tactile Art Exhibition”. Growing up with only visual arts, the exhibit further challenged my notions of what’s possible in a gallery setting. I truly felt as though I lost myself in the artwork, exploring sound, texture, and interactive elements of art.

The multimedia works were created by students from Tactile artist Ann Cunningham’s art class at the Colorado Center for the Blind (CCB) and from Nathan Abels’ Painting 1 and Katie Caron’s Ceramics 1 at Arapahoe Community College (ACC). The pieces explore not only texture, but sound, shape, and temperature, inviting the viewer into an immersive experience to engage intimately with the art. Many works of sculpture are also interactive, allowing the audience to move pieces, rip parts, and rearrange the dynamic, ever-evolving structures. The scale of the works ranges from tiny to expansive, and the subject matter ranges from figurative to abstract.

Invited artist Liz Quan also exhibited alongside ACC students. Her work creates a playful atmosphere where people can increase mindfulness and joy through experimentation and movement of sculptural forms. Experiencing the art with others forges community and encourages inward contemplation and relaxation. 

Growing up with only visual arts, the exhibit further challenged my notions of what’s possible in a gallery setting. I truly felt as though I lost myself in the artwork, becoming surprised by the sounds, textures, and audience participation. 

Shared Visions brings people of all ability levels together in a shared appreciation for the arts. All are encouraged to come check out this fabulous exhibit! The exhibition is at the Colorado Gallery of the Arts and runs November 8-17. The closing reception is Thursday, November 18 from 5-7pm.

Tags:
#tactilceart, #TactileAccess, #Artfortheblind, #touchart, #visuallyimpaired, #blindartist,, #accessibleart, #artforall, #sensoryart, #BlindandVI, #accessibility, #inclusion, #artmuseums, #artforeveryone, #accessiblemuseum
#lowvision, Art for the visually impaired, Art for the Blind