Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Mindsight exhibit at the Harn


Touching art displayed at museums is typically against the rules, but the Harn Museum of Art and the Gator Lions Club are inviting people to do just that April 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Held annually at the Harn Museum, MindSight is a program that encourages all participants, including those who are blind or visually impaired, to experience art through senses other than sight.

“This partnership celebrates a real connection between the mission of the Gator Lions Club and the mission of the museum to promote the power of the arts to inspire and educate people and enrich their lives,” said Bonnie Bernau, director of education at the Harn Museum. "Both groups endorse the concept that there are many ways to experience art, and this program gives everyone the opportunity to use senses beyond that of sight.”
Community artists and University of Florida student and faculty artists provided works of art to be explored through touch while the works are verbally described by student guides or the artists themselves. MindSight also invites those with sight to experience the artwork in the same way by wearing a blindfold.