Carrollwood Cultural Center shines light on Blind Awareness Month with series of events

Inclusionary events aims to enhance experience for the blind, visually impaired.

CARROLLWOOD — New events coming to the Carrollwood Cultural Center will highlight Blind Awareness Month in October and enhance the experience for those blind and visually impaired.

Throughout the month, patrons can enjoy a touch-sensitive gallery exhibition titled “Beyond Sight” curated by Michele Stone. There will be pieces that are made with textiles and things that are touch-friendly so that people can go around the gallery to experience art.

In early October, jazz musician Matt Weihmueller will give a free lecture called The Art of (Braille) on Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. Weihmueller will share with audiences how he uses braille to read music and at the end of the month, patrons can return to see him perform live as a guest musical artist.

On Oct. 8, the center will host a workshop and concert by Blind Visionaries, a multimedia collaboration between performer Daniel Kelly and the Seeing with Photography Collective, a group of visually impaired photographers.

“I really appreciated how they are a community arts organization that uses both sighted and non-sighted individuals,” said Derek Baxter, entertainment director for the Carrollwood Cultural Center. “It’s a great jumping off point for us to exemplify what the marriage of the two communities can create together.”