MIAMI -- MIAMI, March 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Visual arts
have long been an integral part of school humanities programs. In the
world of art, "don't touch" is the mantra, but a collaborative program
designed by a teacher of the visually impaired and a high school art
instructor defies this concept. The program, created by Ms. Beth
Gordon and Ms. Nancy Adams at Coral Reef Senior High School, makes
visual art accessible to the visually impaired while generating
important benefits for sighted students as well.
Entitled "FEEL THE ART", the plan is innovative, if
simple in concept; sighted students are challenged to create art
pieces that can be appreciated by those without sight. Execution
requires the student artists to think tactilely, in three dimensions
and in the process, to better appreciate those who are unable to see.
Art works include tactile interpretations of famous pieces of art. For
the visually impaired it means an art show designed especially for
them; completely accessible with not only tactile pieces of art, but
auditory, Braille, and large descriptions of the pieces.
Another interesting element of the program is the fact
that the artists serve as guides and narrators for the visitors --
again a common benefit. This year, approximately 130 elective art
students created art while over 100 visually impaired students from 45
schools throughout Miami-Dade County will attend the exhibit. The new
exhibit will run from March 17, 2003 to March 28, 2003, in the Coral
Reef Senior High GalleReef, with students who are visually impaired in
attendance on March 18, 19, and March 21.
Over the past three years, the works assembled have
been seen in exhibits from Homestead to Ft. Lauderdale, to St.
Petersburg to Tallahassee -- where last year, they were displayed in
the Department of Education during the Legislative Session.
"FEEL THE ART" will have an added dimension this year.
Noted professional artist, Xavier Cortada, will create a mural called
ArtFelt, with student visitors who are visually impaired and their
student artist guides. Students who are visually impaired as well as
the student artists will have an opportunity to work with an artist
who has worked collaboratively with diverse groups across the United
States, Latin America, Europe, and Africa to create pro-social
community murals and participant-driven art projects.
Coral Reef Senior High, the Miami-Dade County Programs
for the Visually Impaired, and the student artists are proud of the
acclaim received to date. Interest in "FEEL THE ART" has been
generated throughout Florida and across the nation.
"FEEL THE ART" is an exhibit of connection and
collaboration. There is a connection of hands to texture, artists to
participants, and individuals of different ages and backgrounds to the
beauty found in one another.
CONTACT: Nancy Adams, Coral Reef Sr. High School,
+1-305-232-2022, ext. 2143, or AdamsArt@bellsouth.net; or Beth Gordon,
Miami-Dade County Public Schools, +1-305-995-2527, or Gordon0392@aol.com
Web site: http://www.floridafunding.com/
COPYRIGHT 2003 PR Newswire Association, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group