by David Chapman
Staff Writer
For years, one local group of women has met at The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and proven that low vision and blindness doesn’t have to affect their artistic ability and creativity.
On the 10th anniversary of their achievements, The Cummer celebrates their latest works in its new exhibit, “Women in Vision: Ten Years of Art Beyond Sight.”
“The program been a avery important part of our (the artists) lives,” said Sister Elizabeth Fiorite, founder of the Women in Vision program and social services counselor at the Independent Living for Adult Blind (ILAB). “It’s bonded us with each other and our instructors ... we’ve shared so much of our lives.”
Fiorite, a former elementary school teacher and principal, lost most of her vision in 1990, but said she was always interested in exploring her creative side.
Through her work at ILAB, she became acquainted with many other women with low vision or blindness who she said needed a type of artistic expression. So Fiorite approached The Cummer and asked for assistance in creating a program.
“We had no experience doing anything like it in the past,” said Hope McMath, deputy director of programs at The Cummer. “But we definitely wanted to try and it’s something we’re extremely proud of today.”
Like Fiorite, McMath has been a part of the program for the entire 10 years and has acted as an instructor for the 15–20 women who attend the monthly artistic sessions.
Over the years, the artists have used everything from clay and paint to their spoken words to create various artistic pieces, all of which are on display.
“It’s amazing to see how each artist has their own distinctive style,” said McMath. “The physical limitations they have don’t affect their artistic ability in the least.”
The “Women of Vision: Ten Years of Art Beyond Sight” exhibit will be displayed at The Cummer through March 15. For more information, go to www.cummer.org or call 356-6857.
356-2466