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by Bryon Chambers, Oklahoma City Museum of Art

Last summer, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art partnered with NewView Oklahoma to host a “Day in Downtown” for the Oklahomans Without Limitations (O.W.L.) summer camp. Visually impaired students, ages 8 to 18, experienced art making activities led by local artists and toured museum galleries. A special treat for campers included learning proper art handling; each student took turns holding a piece of Chihuly glass.

"Through partnerships with many of Oklahoma's arts and cultural institutions, we were able to offer an exciting experience in downtown Oklahoma City," said Assistant Curator of Education Bryon Chambers. "With an awareness of others' abilities and a few simple building modifications, OKCMOA became a more welcoming place for many in our community."

The museum is committed to making the facility and the arts fully accessible to blind and visually-impaired individuals. NewView’s rehabilitation department is working closely with museum education and facility staff to address accessibility.

According to NewView Oklahoma President and CEO Lauren Branch, “Access to the arts for those with visual impairments is virtually non-existent. NewView believes that with simple adaptations and opportunities, people with vision loss can enjoy and benefit from participation in a wide variety of experiences in the performing and visual arts.”

Stemming from its unique collaboration with NewView, the museum is now offering a new program, Creative Visions. The program provides and promotes the tangible benefits of arts education, museum visits and art making for children and adults with sight loss.

Working with local professional artists, NewView and the museum provide classes for adults and children with vision impairments through Creative Visions. NewView recruits community volunteers to assist participants. Classes are open to the community and any person with a visual impairment may participate. There is no fee to participate and transportation will be provided to visually impaired individuals as needed.

In recent weeks, Creative Visions participants created functional, sculptural and decorative clay pieces using a variety of clay hand building techniques including, pinch, coil and slab. Participants also explored a range of decorating techniques, including glazing and staining. The program will culminate with an art exhibition and reception that celebrates the artwork created by the youth and adult artists participating in the class.

Through its Creative Visions program and partnership with NewView Oklahoma, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art has expanded its educational offerings for youth and adults. The museum is helping set the standard for serving all members of the community.

The Creative Visions program is funded by the Oklahoma Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit www.okcmoa.com/learn or call (405) 236-3100, ext. 231.