Clarke Reynolds, an English artist who is blind, will debut his innovative three-month exhibition beginning April 5 to June 29 at the Envision Arts Gallery in downtown Wichita. This is Reynolds first solo exhibition in the United States, and he is known for his interactive use of Braille in art.
The public is invited to a free opening reception, 5 to 9 p.m., April 5 at the Envision Arts Gallery with a special presentation from Reynolds at 6 p.m. Envision Arts is the first art gallery in the United States created by and for the visually impaired community.
"My aim is to make Braille more inclusive in society through the size and color of the dot," said Reynolds. "By enlarging Braille, we illuminate the often-overlooked discussion of sight loss, shattering the barriers of silence surrounding it. My art and workshops invite us to rediscover the child within, to learn and play irrespective of age.”
Envision Arts Senior Manager Sarah Kephart said, “Clarke Reynolds brings an exceptional perspective to art and communication. His approach is not just about art for art’s sake, but a profound dialogue that invites us to rethink how we connect and understand each other. His residency and this exhibition are set to be a transformative experience for our community.”
During his time in Wichita, Reynolds will engage the Wichita community, conducting “PLAY TOUCH MAKE” Braille workshops in public schools and organizations and with Envision Arts program participants, ranging from young preschoolers to seniors with vision loss. These workshops celebrate the beauty and significance of Braille through playful learning.
Get a sneak peek of Reynolds' work in this video.
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Visit Wichita markets the Greater Wichita area and advocates for the city as a destination, increasing travel and tourism as a key economic driver for the city, county, region and state. Visit Wichita is led by president and CEO Susie Santo, and in 2022 travel and tourism contributed more than $1.5 billion in economic impact to the greater Wichita area.