The McMillan Arts Centre in Parksville is hosting three new exhibitions, including works by award-winning blind artist Ruth Bieber. Bieber’s exhibition Feel Free, Touch the Art is on display in the MAC’s Nemeth Gallery. “As a blind artist, it might come as a surprise to most viewers, that I have a close and treasured relationship with colour,” said Bieber, who experiences Charles Bonnet Syndrome. “Not all blind people see vibrant colour swirling around them, however it is safe to say, that blind people normally do have a rich sense of haptic.” Bieber said her goal is to create art that is both pleasing to the eye, as well as to the sense of touch. Visitors are encouraged to touch her artwork. She holds a master’s degree in education, from the University of Calgary, with a specialization in rehabilitation. Prior to obtaining this degree, her professional focus was as a counseling therapist, working with clients with disabilities. In the early 1990s, she founded InsideOut Theatre, which was a reflection of her own evolution from therapy to theatre; from the therapeutic arts, to the power of performance for people with a wide range of mixed abilities. Bieber was the artistic director of the theatre company for 17 years. Bieber has received numerous awards for her specialized work including the Donald Norman Award for contribution to the Theatre Arts (2008) and The Spirit of Kelowna for inspiration in promoting diversity within the visual arts community (2011). OCAC and the MAC are providing a new technology for blind or low-vision visitors to the galleries. “Be My Eyes,” through specialty glasses will connect, in real-time, visual assistance from volunteers all over the world. With thanks to the City of Parksville for this specialty accessibility grant, Be My Eyes glasses are now available for visitors to the MAC. “Be My Eyes started with a simple idea: to make the world more accessible for people who are blind or have low vision through the power of connection,” the MAC said in a news release. The idea came from Hans Jørgen Wiberg, a Danish craftsman with low vision. While working with The Danish Association of the Blind, he noticed how often people needed a little visual assistance for everyday tasks. A friend shared how video calls with family helped him get that assistance, and Wiberg saw an opportunity: what if people who are blind or have low vision could connect with a global network of volunteers, ready to lend their sight? In 2015, the Be My Eyes app was launched and, within 24 hours, 10,000 volunteers had signed up. Today, millions of volunteers support users in over 180 languages – proving that a little help goes a long way. Also on display in the MAC’s Concert Gallery are works by Michelle Nyberg, and Melinda Wilde.
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