Contact

Duke Health News

919-660-1306

DURHAM, N.C. -- The Duke Eye Center Arts Program is hosting a new art exhibit called "Women of Vision: An Experience in Seeing by the Visually Impaired." The exhibit is comprised of artwork created by 12 visually impaired and blind female artists and will be on display at Duke Eye Center through June 30. The works are done in various media, including basketry, clay and painting.

The artists -- some of them creative novices, others more experienced -- met monthly during a one-year period at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens in Jacksonville, Fla. to discover fulfillment through the communicative power of the visual and literary arts. Educators at the museum developed the special program for visually impaired members of their Jacksonville community.

"People often talk about what our limitations are, but this exhibition gives a very clear message of how creative people can be, even if they are working with visual impairments," said Betty Haskin, arts program coordinator for the Duke Eye Center. "I hope this exhibit will give that 'can-do' message about what people who are visually impaired can achieve."

Exhibition hours are from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Individual and group tours are available upon request. Tours can be scheduled by contacting Haskin at 919-477-2644, extension 238.

Duke Eye Center displays numerous works of art for the enjoyment of patients and the general public. Everyone is invited, and the exhibits are free. The arts program at Duke Eye Center is part of the Duke University Medical Center Cultural Services program.

The "Women of Vision" exhibit was organized and curated by staff at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. This exhibition is sponsored by the Duke-Semans Fine Arts Foundation of Durham.