I was very inspired after reading this recent online NPR article on blind and visually impaired art enthusiasts being able to "see" and experience works of art at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. through uniquely guided tours. The museum offers America InSight tours twice a month led by specially trained docents to blind and visually impaired visitors.
During these specially guided tours, the dozen or so volunteer docents use verbal descriptions of artwork as well as other senses in their verbal descriptions, such as the sound of music to bring to life a work of art. The visitors are encouraged to imitate the pose of a sculpture while participating in the tour. In some cases, low vision and blind visitors can even touch some of the art with the use of Latex-free gloves.
While moving slowly through the museum during the tour, the blind and visually impaired visitors are able to "see" the artworks in their imaginations with some getting close to the artwork to view it better with the aid of a magnifying device.
The Smithsonian American Art Museum's America InSight tours certainly prove that there are a number of ways to experience works of art and not just through sight.
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