Emphasizing Observation in a Gallery Program for Blind and Low-Vision Visitors: Art Beyond Sight at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Authors

  • Bridget O'Brien Hoyt Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18061/dsq.v33i3.3737

Keywords:

museum access for the blind and visually impaired, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, art education for the blind, verbal descriptions of visual art, audio description of visual art, guided description

Abstract

The article recreates a gallery conversation with blind and low-vision visitors focused on The Judgment of Solomon, (c. 1640) by Matthias Stomer. Rather than passively receiving the interpretations of the facilitator, participants work together to build an understanding of the painting as a whole from the details described. The article goes on to give a history of the program's development including a nuanced evaluation of the merits of handling objects as an aid to comprehension.

Key words: Museum access for the blind and visually impaired, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, art education for the blind, verbal descriptions of visual art.  Audio description of visual art, guided description. 

 

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Published

2013-05-12

How to Cite

Hoyt, B. O. (2013). Emphasizing Observation in a Gallery Program for Blind and Low-Vision Visitors: Art Beyond Sight at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Disability Studies Quarterly, 33(3). https://doi.org/10.18061/dsq.v33i3.3737

Issue

Vol. 33 No. 3 (2013): Double Issue: Museum experience and blindness; general issue

Section

Special Topic: Museum Experience and Blindness, Part 1: Best Practices

License

Copyright (c) 2013 Bridget O'Brien Hoyt