Braille Art Allows Art Access To The Blind

By John Sharify

Summary

An exhibit at the Francine Seders Gallery allows those who can, and can't see, to experience a unique form of art.

Story Published: Aug 1, 2005 at 10:15 AM PST

Story Updated: Jul 24, 2009 at 11:02 AM PST

Braille Art Allows Art Access To The Blind
SEATTLE - When we go into a museum or an art gallery, we're told you can look, but don't touch.

So why was Erin Lauridsen running her fingers through the photographs on the wall at Seattle's Francine Seders Gallery?

It's because she's supposed to.

The photo exhibit by artist Spike Mafford is for her and for all the people who can't see.

Erin has been blind since birth.

"I definitely got the rain imagery," she says as she reads the Braille on the photograph.

She reads: "Clean is the taste of ocean salts. Cleaner is the rain, the reel of tears that flood blue with pain."

Spike Mafford enlisted talented writers to write a poem describing his photographs. The exhibit is called "Braille".

"There are 16 pieces total," Mafford says. He's pleased he can provide access to the blind, but he says the show is also for the people who can see.

It's to open their eyes to Erin's world.

The exhibit at the Francine Seders Gallery runs through Aug. 14.

For More Information:

www.sedersgallery.com.