Helen Keller National Center (HKNC), a national non-profit working with individuals who are blind, have low vision, are DeafBlind and/or have combined hearing-vision loss to live, work and thrive, will partner with The Art Guild, located in Manhasset, NY, to present “Seeing Differently: A Tactile Art Experience,” from July 17 to August 1, 2024 from 1 to 4pm daily, at The Art Guild, located at 200 Port Washington Blvd. in Manhasset, NY 11030. An opening reception will be held on July 17, 2024, at 6pm. The show is free and open to the public.  

This extraordinary exhibition showcases a diverse array of tactile art pieces, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media creations, all crafted by DeafBlind participants from HKNC's Comprehensive Vocational Rehabilitation Program. The exhibit, generously sponsored by Hearts PW, offers a unique and heartwarming perspective on artistic expression, inviting visitors to engage with art in a profoundly different way.

"Seeing Differently" stands out as an immersive experience, encouraging visitors to touch and feel the artwork, exploring the artists' unique perspectives through texture and form. This approach not only makes art accessible to individuals with visual impairments but also challenges sighted visitors to experience creativity beyond traditional visual boundaries.

The exhibit provides a compelling human interest story, highlighting the remarkable talents and resilience of the DeafBlind community. It offers a rare glimpse into how individuals navigate and interpret the world without sight and hearing, translating their experiences into tangible, expressive art forms.

"This exhibit is a testament to the power of creativity and expression as our DeafBlind participants find ways to express themselves during their vocational rehabilitative training here at HKNC," says Antonia Isnardi, Senior Art Instructor at Helen Keller National Center. "It's an opportunity for the public to connect with the DeafBlind community in a meaningful way, breaking down barriers and fostering understanding through art."

About The Art Guild 

The Art Guild of Port Washington, Inc., is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization providing encouragement, education and a forum for the appreciation of the visual arts. The Guild seeks to offer residents from local and neighboring communities an avenue to broaden their creative pursuits by striving to:

• Encourage. Encouragement to artists and craftspeople through collaboration and interaction
• Educate. Educational opportunities, workshops, lectures and discussion groups
• Explore. An art facility where residents can come to broaden their creative experiences
• Exhibit. A forum in which the community can appreciate the visual arts through exhibits and community projects

It is an organization open to all people with a common goal to advance the visual arts.

About Helen Keller Services 

Helen Keller Services’ (HKS) Mission is to enable individuals who are blind, DeafBlind, have low vision or combined hearing and vision loss to live, work and thrive in their community of choice. HKS offers services and programs through two divisions: Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults and Helen Keller Services for the Blind. For more information, please visit www.helenkeller.org. Follow Helen Keller Services on facebook, twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.