Great Plains Art Museum to open its first tactile exhibition March 7

Excerpt of photo by John Moore | Getty Images

Clothing hangs stuck in razor wire atop the U.S.-Mexico border fence on Sept. 28, 2019, near Tijuana, Mexico.

The Great Plains Art Museum at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is collaborating with the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired and Tactile Images to bring a transformative tactile exhibition, “The Journey: Documented Items/Undocumented Souls,” to the museum March 7 through Aug. 23.

The exhibition also marks the museum’s reopening after several weeks of closure for building maintenance.

The exhibition, the first of its kind at the museum, presents a photographic essay chronicling the immigrant journey from Latin America to the United States through a series of images by John Moore, senior special correspondent with Getty Images. Moore captures the story through photographs of items that have been lost or discarded — and later documented — along the way. He also talks about his experiences and the photographs as part of audio included in the tactile displays.

A child’s abandoned backpack and clothing lie near an illegal river crossing point at the U.S.-Mexico border on March 24, 2021, near McAllen, Texas.

Founded in 2008, Tactile Images is dedicated to breaking down barriers in a predominantly sighted world. Through innovative tactile printing techniques, the company provides experiences for the visually impaired, offering tactile exploration of visual and graphic materials accompanied by Braille text, audio narratives and scents. The partnership underscores a commitment to creating a more inclusive environment for individuals with diverse abilities, allowing them to explore, learn and engage with art, science, history and technology in new and exciting ways.

“We are delighted to partner with Tactile Images and NCBVI to bring these transformative tactile exhibitions to our community,” said Ashley Wilkinson, director and curator of the Great Plains Art Museum. “Accessibility and inclusivity are at the heart of our mission, and through this collaboration, we are proud to offer enriching experiences for individuals with diverse abilities. We look forward to welcoming visitors of all backgrounds to explore and enjoy these unique exhibitions.”

Carlos Servan, executive director of the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, emphasized the impact of the project.

“This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to enhancing the lives of blind and visually impaired individuals by providing access to educational and empowering experiences,” he said.

The Great Plains Art Museum, 1155 Q St., is open to the public 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free. For more information, click here.