Helen Keller National Center (HKNC), a national non-profit that works with DeafBlind individuals to help them live, work and thrive in their communities of choice, is celebrating the final week of a recently opened an art exhibition featuring works created by DeafBlind participants.
The exhibit, titled “Seeing Differently: A Tactile Art Experience,” is being shown at The Art Guild, located in Manhasset, NY, from July 17 to August 1, 2024 from 1 to 4pm daily.
"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’s Comprehensive Vocational Rehabilitation Program. "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."
The exhibit includes paintings, sculptures, and mixed media creations and 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.
“Growing up in the suburbs of Waterbury, Naugatuck, Connecticut, I discovered my perfect pitch at a young age. However, in my 20s, I experienced a stable hearing loss, leading me to discover through genetic testing that I have Norrie Disease, a condition shared by my nephew who is also blind and autistic,” said artist Ricky Corey. “As a child, I was inspired by the process of cutting and pasting paper to create shapes. This early interest led to my first music collage, which resonated deeply with people, encouraging them to pause and reflect. Today, I create tactile art, striving to make my work feel as therapeutic as my drumming. My art often undergoes last-minute changes and improvements, reflecting what art is really all about.”
“I was born Deaf and have low vision due to Macular Degeneration. My passion for animals stems from their unconditional love and spiritual essence. Inspired by this connection, I found solace and joy in crafting animals out of polymer clay. Through the art of sculpting, I tune into the energy and essence of each animal, allowing for spiritual and emotional connection. It helps me feel connected to the spirit of the animal and helps me relax in real time and allow myself time to play,” said artist Karen Eu.
“I started to have problems with my vision in my freshman year of high school. As my vision declined, I gave up art. I found out I had Usher Syndrome type 1. I thought I could never do art again, but it turned out I was wrong,” said artist Payton Martin. “Last year, in June 2023, I came to HKNC for the first time for the Summer Youth Vocational Program. I saw other DeafBlind people making art and I was like WHOA! I then thought maybe I can do art again and gave art another chance. Now I am back at HKNC again, focusing on gaining independence for my future journey.”
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.
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.