[Art_beyond_sight_learning_tools] Picasso and Africa exhibition, Chicago, theater

[Lisa Yayla]

http://www.tonight.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=3481620&fSectionId=507&fSetId=251
The recent Picasso and Africa exhibition at Iziko SA National Gallery 
may have been an eyeful to the 56 000 visitors who flocked to view it 
but, thanks to the dedication of special-needs facilitator, Sandra 
Eastwood, it was an even more enriching experience to the blind and 
visually impaired pupils from the Pioneer School in Worcester.

Eastwood was instrumental in organising a special needs programme around 
the exhibition and involved workshops for children with a range of 
disabilities included drawing classes, creative movement, music and 
discussions.

Astounding results were generated by these youngsters who, despite being 
deprived of certain faculties, lack for nothing in enthusiasm, 
creativity and imagination. Their artwork, now displayed in the Iziko SA 
National Gallery Annexe in an exhibition entitled Thank you Picasso, is 
on view to the public until Friday, October 20,  

from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 5pm  
. Tel: 021-467-4660.



ABC7Chicago.com, IL, USA
Thursday, October 12, 2006

Exhibit at Art Institute draws blind and visually impaired

By Karen Meyer

October 12, 2006 - The blind and visually impaired are often left out of the art museum experience because of do not touch rules. But six month ago, the Art Institute of Chicago agreed to bend those rules.

Related Links: Watch the Video 
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=community&id=4653429#

For years, the Art Institute offered a touch gallery of sculptures for blind and visually impaired patrons. Now, with the touching replicas called Tactiles re able to "see" art. 

Art institute staff member Mikie Silverstein is explaining Renior's 'Two Sisters (on a Terrance)' while Marcia Trawinski and Hanna Bratman follow along using the eight-inch by ten-inch light weight tactiles. 

"You actually feel like you're touching the whole painting, it's not just a line design," said Mikie Silverstein. 

The Tactiles were developed by a student from the School at the Art Institute from recommendation by members of the blind and visually impaired community. 

So far, there are five Tactiles available. 

"We selected them because we wanted to have a variety of cultures and a variety of techniques," said Mikie. 

Museum volunteers escort blind and visually impaired patrons to the Tactiles arts. 

Joan Miro's 'Personages with Stars' is another painting that has been re-created on Tactiles. 

Marcia says the Tactiles are helpful. 

"They allow me to experience the painting with my fingers the way you experience if with your eyes. I can travel across the painting. I can travel within the depth of the painting and I can get a feel for what they artists was doing with their lines and drawings," said Mikie. 

Hanna can see only colors and some shapes. 

"I don't see the details and I could feel the greenery in the background, the trees and a rail and I could feel the size of the hats and the people and I thought that was really, really neat," said Mikie. 

With the 'Stone of the Five Stars' Aztec tablet being enclosed, Tim Paul had the opportunity to 'touch' it. 

"I can see the different shapes and the different textures and it really makes me want to learn more and experience more," said Mikie. 

The Art Institute of Chicago is the only museum that has Tactiles. If you want a tour with the Tactiles, you need to make arrangements ahead of time. The number to call is 312/443-3929. 



http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=community&id=4653429



Niagara Gazette, NY, USA
Thursday, October 12, 2006

Theatre extends invitations to visually impaired for "Wait Until Dark" show

(Extract)

Lewiston's Stella Niagara Theatre is opening its 2006-07 season with an show that invites its audience not to see - at least in one sense.

Frederick Knott's "Wait Until Dark," premiering Oct. 20 at the theater, corner of Lower River and Pletcher roads, tells the story of a young blind woman engaged in a murder mystery and a deadly game of survival. The tale examines the skill and wit of a character using her abilities in a profound way, and the audience will get to know the experience of making one's way through the darkness.

The theater is extending invitations to any visually impaired individuals to attend any of the six performances of "Wait," and invitations have been sent to a number of local organizations that serve them.

An opening gala with a wine and cheese reception follows the Oct. 20 performance at 7:30 p.m. Other performances will be given at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29, with $10 tickets for adults and $8 for students and seniors.

For more information, visit theatreinthemist.org or call (877) 856-0694.


http://www.niagara-gazette.com/nightandday/gnnnightandday_story_285124415.html?keyword=secondarystory