My name is Lenny Gerard (LennyGerard.com), and I was recently awarded a $1,000 grant by The Doan Foundation to produce a public exhibition featuring the work of the blind and visually impaired students I teach at the Braille Institute as an Art Instructor.

While I am deeply grateful for the grant, $1,000 is simply not enough to bring this vision to life at the level these artists deserve. In reality, that amount will likely only cover basic venue rental — possibly for one to three nights — or essential signage next to the work. To create a truly professional, accessible, and celebratory exhibition, we need additional support.

My students are creating mosaics, printmaking, sculptures, tactile 3D works, and ceramics. This exhibition is more than a showcase — it’s about access, visibility, and redefining who gets to participate in the art world.

Where the Funds Will Go

To ensure this show meets professional gallery standards and is fully accessible, we need funding for:

• Braille labels and tactile signage

• Vinyl wall lettering

• Audio-description buttons so visitors can hear descriptions of each artwork

• Framing and professional presentation

• Exhibition catalogs listing artist bios and artwork prices

• Food and beverages for the opening reception

• Honorariums for student artists, including first, second, and third place “Best in Show” awards

Accessibility is not an add-on. It is central to the exhibition’s purpose. Each artwork will include braille labels, vinyl text, and interactive audio elements so visitors can experience the show through multiple sensory pathways.

The Braille Institute recently held a student exhibition that was incredibly meaningful for both the artists and members of the blind community — many of whom had never experienced an art exhibition before. The response was powerful. This next show is an opportunity to expand that impact in a larger, more visible venue.

Why This Matters

Blind and visually impaired artists are rarely given professional exhibition opportunities. This show challenges that norm. It creates space, visibility, and recognition.

My goal is to secure a strong venue within the next six months to one year and produce a show that reflects the talent and dignity of these artists — not a scaled-down version limited by budget constraints.

What Happens If We Raise More Than We Need?

Any funds raised beyond production costs will go directly to the Braille Institute to support continued arts programming for blind and visually impaired students.

If you believe art should be accessible to everyone — not just those who can see it — please consider contributing and sharing this campaign.

Thank you for helping us make this exhibition possible.