Art Show Features Work from Blind Students

An exhibit of art work created by visually impaired students opened Wednesday at the South Carolina State Library in Columbia.

The library’s Talking Books Division, which serves the blind, unveiled the works from students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

The participating artists ranged in age from 5-years to 18-years-old.

Jamie Allison, a visual arts teacher at the SC School for Deaf and Blind, says the visually impaired can learn to produce art almost as easily as any able-bodied person.

“It’s a little more of a challenge. Not to the extent that a lot of people might think,” said Allison.

“It’s really not as much of a high tech, or complicated adjustment, that you think it might be. Usually it’s just a little adaptation in the material or a little adaptation in the way you approach it and that’s all that’s needed.”

Allison says the students love creating art and they are excited about having their work on display.

“For the students it’s a real confidence booster when they know that their work is getting exhibited. When someone comes up to them and mentions to them that they saw their work hanging in the gallery, it’s a real self-esteem boost for them.”

Some of the works were created using many common household items, such as ribbon, buttons, bells, marbles, and cassette tapes.

The art work will be on display at the library for the next year and the gallery is open daily from 8:30 am to 5 pm.