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University Communications

Visually Impaired Artists to Exhibit Work at University of Richmond

March 19, 2004

Artwork created and viewed by the visually impaired may seem incongruous, but an exhibit coming to the University of Richmond in April proves the world of art is not just for those with sight.

Delta Gamma sorority is sponsoring "Art of the Eye II," a collection of about 40 mixed media creations, including two-dimensional works and sculptures, all created by professional artists who are visually impaired or blind. The exhibit is a sequel to "Art of the Eye," conceived by Scott Nelson, a sculptor with retinitis pigmentosa. It will be on view in the Lora Robins Gallery of Design from Nature and Boatwright Library from April 9 to June 27.

Nelson, whose work is part of the exhibit, will be on campus April 8 to participate in an opening fund-raising gala, "A Night for Sight." The event will begin at 6 p.m. at the Jepson Alumni Center and include a lecture by Nelson, tours of the exhibit, a dessert reception and a silent auction.

Proceeds from the gala will benefit the Volunteer Council of the Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired. Tickets are $20. Call (804) 662-3844 for more information.

"Art of the Eye II" offers visitors who are blind and visually impaired the rare opportunity to touch works of art. It was developed in 1997 by the Delta Gamma Foundation with support from the Houston Delta Gamma Foundation and Lions Club International.

Since 1936, Delta Gamma's philanthropic efforts have gone to stop blindness before it starts and, for those experiencing vision impairment, to impact their lives in positive ways.

Members of Richmond's Delta Gamma chapter have volunteered at Virginia Voice, a nonprofit radio reading service for the visually impaired; trained as seeing guides for VRCBVI members in recreational activities; collected eyeglasses for New Eyes for the Needy; and provided financial support for Delta Gamma schools for visually impaired children in Denver and St. Louis. The Richmond chapter is the first student chapter to sponsor an exhibit of "Art of the Eye II."