Former AFB Board Chair, Bill Brice, once said, "Just because you've lost your sight, doesn't mean you've lost your vision." And in a nutshell, that pretty much sums up the goal of the AFB. The Center on Vision Loss located here in Dallas is a wonderful resource for those who have experienced diminished or total loss of sight. Last Wednesday "Artists With a Vision" benefiting The Center on Vision Loss and the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)held last Wednesday at the Samuel Lynne Gallery to raise awareness and funds to sustain the center’s operations and growth.
Over 200 guests gathered at a cocktail reception and exhibit showcasing works by three internationally acclaimed blind artists: photographer Pete Eckert, who uses light in a two-step process to photograph his subjects and surroundings;painter John Bramblitt, who can feel your face and with remarkable likeness bring a subject to life on canvas; and sculptor Michael Naranjo, who is one of only a few sculptors in the world allowed to touch sculptures in famous Italian and Paris museums. Think about that... he can walk in the Louve in Paris and touch Michelangelo's works. Amazing.
"The amazing success of these three artists proves that you can live a creative, full life with vision loss," said Carl R. Augusto, AFB President and CEO. "Every day at the AFB Center on Vision Loss, we work to ensure people who are blind or visually impaired have access to the tools they need to live independently."
Alicia Landry, Phil Romano, Rita Hortenstine, Carol Seay, Patricia Cowlishaw, Yvonne Crum, Ann Clark, Louise and GiGi Gartner, Ramona Jones, Erin Mathews and David Nicols were among the guests who enjoyed yummy bites from Lombardi's and hob-knobbed with the featured artists. Abi Erickson couldn't wait to tell me the next day that two paintings and two of the large photographs had been sold. For more information, to schedule a tour of the center or to have a one-on-chat about vision loss, please contact Abi Erickson at 214-663-2462.
About AFB
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit that expands possibilities for people with vision loss. AFB's priorities include broadening access to technology; elevating the quality of information and tools for the professionals who serve people with vision loss; and promoting independent and healthy living for people with vision loss by providing them and their families with relevant and timely resources.
Photos courtesy of Kristina Bowman
Phil Romano, Pete Eckert, JD Miller, Michael Naranjo and John Bramblitt
Over 200 guests gathered at a cocktail reception and exhibit showcasing works by three internationally acclaimed blind artists: photographer Pete Eckert, who uses light in a two-step process to photograph his subjects and surroundings;painter John Bramblitt, who can feel your face and with remarkable likeness bring a subject to life on canvas; and sculptor Michael Naranjo, who is one of only a few sculptors in the world allowed to touch sculptures in famous Italian and Paris museums. Think about that... he can walk in the Louve in Paris and touch Michelangelo's works. Amazing.
"The amazing success of these three artists proves that you can live a creative, full life with vision loss," said Carl R. Augusto, AFB President and CEO. "Every day at the AFB Center on Vision Loss, we work to ensure people who are blind or visually impaired have access to the tools they need to live independently."
Top left: Ann Clark and Peg Kutner | Top right: Ramona Jones, Barbara Brice and Doris Jacobs
Bottom left: Courtney Edwards, Alison Volk and Allison Edwards | Bottom right: Dr. Michelle Brocher (board member)
Bottom left: Courtney Edwards, Alison Volk and Allison Edwards | Bottom right: Dr. Michelle Brocher (board member)
Alicia Landry, Phil Romano, Rita Hortenstine, Carol Seay, Patricia Cowlishaw, Yvonne Crum, Ann Clark, Louise and GiGi Gartner, Ramona Jones, Erin Mathews and David Nicols were among the guests who enjoyed yummy bites from Lombardi's and hob-knobbed with the featured artists. Abi Erickson couldn't wait to tell me the next day that two paintings and two of the large photographs had been sold. For more information, to schedule a tour of the center or to have a one-on-chat about vision loss, please contact Abi Erickson at 214-663-2462.
About AFB
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit that expands possibilities for people with vision loss. AFB's priorities include broadening access to technology; elevating the quality of information and tools for the professionals who serve people with vision loss; and promoting independent and healthy living for people with vision loss by providing them and their families with relevant and timely resources.
Photos courtesy of Kristina Bowman
