University Galleries to host accessibility-centered event

Image courtesy of University Galleries

NORMAL, Ill. – The University Galleries will hold a Sensory-Friendly Morning on Saturday following the opening of an accessibility-themed exhibit. 

 This event will provide dim lights and a quiet space for neurodivergent people to view the artwork on display. Staff will focus on mitigating any stimulus that could be triggering or difficult to handle for people with sensory disorders.

Events like these are not just planned for accessibility-themed art: Sensory-Friendly Mornings are held for every new exhibition. University Galleries Curator Troy Sherman organizes the exhibitions, works with artists, and represents their work to the public. He shed some light on the importance of their occasional accessible mornings.

“It’s a way to make the gallery more accessible for people who might not attend during our normal hours when our things may be at full intensity; lights on and sound all the way up,” Sherman said. “Those hours that we do in the mornings are intended for those audiences.”

The emphasis on accessibility at University Galleries does not end with the viewer. Andy Slater is a blind Chicago-based artist and his works are featured in the exhibition. His art is displayed as “paintings,” which are audio descriptions of paintings that do not exist.

Artist Maggie Crowley has a small selection of paintings and sculptures from her permanent collection featured in the exhibition as well.

“We hope that the people who are coming for the Sensory-Friendly Morning would be able to experience the exhibitions that we otherwise have on view,” Sherman said.

The Sensory-Friendly Morning hours are on Saturday, Jan. 18 from 11 a.m. to noon.