Bridging Perceptions

For people with typical eyesight, visual art is usually experienced in the most automatic and natural way for them—visually. For people with visual impairments, things aren’t so

 clear. So how do we make art accessible to those with limited vision or none at all?

The students here at Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children are accomplishing exactly that: creating accessible art that is meant to be experienced with senses other than sight.

WPSBC art teacher, Ellen Filar, has been working with students in our primary, middle, and secondary programs to create tactile sculptures as part of a collaborative exhibit titled Bridging Perceptions. This year’s theme is “Street Art Extravaganza”, and students have been working on creating cardboard and papier-mache buildings—a Cardboard City—of buildings in and around the Pittsburgh area.

Bridging Perceptions is an inclusive art initiative that demonstrates the diversity of human perception, allowing all guests to experience 

creativity through multiple senses. As a class, the students selected a building or architectural style they wished to recreate. They chose both everyday buildings, like flower shops, as well as some of Pittsburgh’s most well-known structures that make up the iconic skyline. By showcasing familiar neighborhood and city landmarks, these pieces also celebrate community pride and help students connect their artwork to the world around them.

What makes these art pieces even more special is how they were created. Students were hands-on in creating textures for each building while also creating the visual aspects of each piece. The sculptures are meant to be enjoyed through touch and sight, reinforcing for the artist and the viewer alike that art can be experienced in many ways. This art exhibit highlights students’ talents while reminding us that creativity has no limits and that everyone deserves the chance to share their artistic voice.

The project will culminate in a collaborative exhibit on March 21 at Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. The Museum has graciously donated the Lower Level Studio space to display these sculptures, alongside artwork from artists from DePaul School for Hearing & Speech, The Day School at The Children’s Institute, and St. Anthony’s School Programs.

The exhibit will be open from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Admission to Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is not required to visit the exhibit.