Hands on: a tactile art exhibit opens in Manhasset

A free exhibit of tactile art is now on display on Long Island, thanks to help from a national nonprofit and a local arts charitable organization.

“Seeing Differently: A Tactile Art Experience” is on display at The Art Guild in Manhasset from Wednesday, July 17 to Thursday, August 1, through a partnership with Helen Keller National Center (HKNC), an organization that supports individuals who are blind, have low vision, are DeafBlind, and/or have combined hearing-vision loss.

DeafBlind participants from HKNC’s Comprehensive Vocational Rehabilitation Program crafted a diverse array of tactile art pieces, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media creations, to be exhibited at The Art Guild with the support of Hearts PW, a community nonprofit that promotes and enriches the arts in Port Washington and its public schools. 

“Seeing Differently,” billed as an immersive experience, encourages visitors to touch and feel the artwork, exploring the artists’ unique perspectives through texture and form. The exhibition not only makes art accessible to individuals with visual impairments but also challenges sighted visitors to experience creativity beyond traditional visual boundaries.

“This exhibit is a testament to the power of creativity and expression as our DeafBlind participants find ways to express themselves during their vocational rehabilitation training here at HKNC,” says Antonia Isnardi, senior art instructor at Helen Keller National Center. “It’s an opportunity for the public to connect with the DeafBlind community in a meaningful way, breaking down barriers and fostering understanding through art.”

The exhibit is open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. daily through August 1 at The Art Guild, located at 200 Port Washington Blvd. in Manhasset. The show is free and open to the public. 

For more information about the Helen Keller National Center, visit: www.helenkeller.org/hknc/.

To learn more about The Art Guild, visit: www.theartguild.org/.