University of Alabama at Birmingham
2010 Helen Keller International
Art Show
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“Color Cookies” by Bailey Olmstead
Gardendale Elementary School
Alabama
Teacher: Bonny Gray
Sponsored By
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Vision Science Research Center
Education and Outreach Module
UAB School of Optometry
UAB School of Education
CEC Alabama Division on Visual Impairments
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History of The Helen Keller International Art Show
The Helen Keller International Art Show is a project of the International Division on Visual Impairments of the Council for Exceptional Children. Sponsorship is through the University of Alabama at Birmingham Vision Science Research Center and the School of Education. In 1995, the CEC-DVI board met to plan a national art show for children with visual impairments, which replicated the 15-year-old exhibit begun in Alabama, Helen Keller’s home state. This team had a vision that was to impact the lives of children who are blind, deafblind, and visually impaired through their artistic abilities. They wanted others to see that children with sensory impairments have creativity and desire to excel just as their sighted peers.
Each year, art is solicited from children with sensory impairments enrolled in public, private, home and residential schools from all over the world to compete in the Helen Keller National Art Show. The annual call for art is completed through national professional and parent publications, letters to state directors of exceptional education, superintendents of residential schools, and university programs training teachers of the blind and deafblind. All students who enter the show are “winners” and receive certificates of participation. The exhibit art pieces are selected by judges representing art museums, art editors from daily newspapers, teachers of the sensory impaired, other educational professionals and staff members and members of the Ivy Green Property Board. The juried pieces of work are then framed and are placed on exhibit in various locations such as the International Convention of CEC, Alabama Civil Rights Museum, Washington National Cathedral, American Foundation for the Blind, Virginia Sowell Center at Texas Tech University, Georgia Academy for the Blind, University of Alabama Medical Center Library and Eye Foundation Hospital-Low Vision Clinic. Sites for display are determined by national meeting places and request by individual groups. Selected pieces have been purchased by publishing companies such as McGraw Hill and Hameray for exhibit and other textbooks publishers to be included in specific chapters of the text. The exhibit travels with a booklet listing each student by name, grade, and a brief biography. Press releases are sent to cities and towns for students who are selected for the exhibit. At the end of the yearly exhibit, the student’s work is made available for each participant’s senator and congressmen to hang in their appointed state’s Washington office.
This art exhibit has enriched the lives of many throughout the previous years. Not only has it demonstrated the success of collaboration of many agencies that have the “heart of the art”, but also the exhibit has demonstrated the student’s artistic abilities and creativity to others as well as their desire to excel just as their sighted peers. The philosophy of the Helen Keller International Art Show has been that all participating students are considered winners and that teachers will be encouraged to incorporate visual art into the individual educational plan of all students.
The following are examples of ways art touches lives. In 1997, one of the Helen Keller International Art Show students was featured on 20/20 with Barbara Walters and Hugh Downs. The student had had half of her brain removed due to a seizure disorder. The surgery had left this student visually and physically impaired. But through determination and with very supportive parents, the student overcame many barriers. This child became an excellent student and an accomplished artist.
On April 2, 1998, the Helen Keller National Art Show exhibited 25 select pieces at the UPS World Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia as part of an American Foundation for the Blind Southeast Region meeting. Two of the artist were invited to attend and were recognized by the agencies for their abilities and accomplishments. This was an exceptional treat for the students. One family’s only means of transportation was by bus. They traveled over six hours to be present for this recognition. The smiles on their faces reminded one that this would be recognition they would cherish forever.
A parent’s viewpoint of the value of their child’s participation in the art exhibit was evident in an article written in a parent newsletter in Huntsville, Al, 2009. Following are quotes from that article: “Art is a wonderful means for children to express themselves. They can put color to complex emotions and develop new perspectives for viewing the world. Even children with visual or other sensory impairments can enjoy and learn from creating their own art” and “My daughter has participated in these programs for several years and we can attest to the value of this program. Not only has the program improved her self-esteem, but has opened a great love and talent for visual art that could easily have been overlooked or disregarded.”
An additional highlight of the above event was the creation of note cards and web page publications of all winning pieces of work by the students. Friends, families, teachers, and others who “surf the web” are able to see the artwork and even save it as “wall paper” on their own computer. Needless to say, emphasis was placed on the art achievement of students who may otherwise never have the opportunity to display their abilities.
Anyone interested in purchasing pieces of work or supporting the exhibit through donations or needs additional information, may contact Carol Allison at callison@uab.edu or Bobbie Fletcher at fletcheb@uab.edu or UAB Vision Science Research Center, 924 South 18th Street, Worrell #110C,Birmingham, Alabama 35294. Phone: 1-866-975-0624 (Voice &TDD). To view past and present exhibits visit
2010 Helen Keller International Art Show
NAME: Anna Grace Deale
SCHOOL: Hewitt Trussville High School
Alabama
ART MEDIA: Poster, tempera, embosser paper
TITLE OF ARTWORK: “Brailleflies”
TEACHER: Susie Thomas
Anna Grace is an 18 year old student at Hewitt Trussville High School. Her TVI is Susie Thomas. She enjoys painting and art work and has entered many of her pieces in the Helen Keller Art Shows.
2010 Helen Keller International Art Show
NAME: Kelsey Hays
SCHOOL: Post High School
Texas
ART MEDIA: Pencil
TITLE OF ARTWORK: “Broken Pieces of Light"
TEACHER: Juanetta Cocko
Kelsey lives with her grandparents in Post, Texas. Several of her original pieces of artwork hang at her therapy center. Kelsey’s hobbies and interests include: camping, swimming, art, George Strait concerts, shopping, cooking, pets, scrapbooking, movies and TV. Faithful support and encouragement from family, friends, and teachers contribute to her success in school, art, and activities.
2010 Helen Keller International Art Show
NAME: Bailey Olmstead
SCHOOL: Gardendale Elementary School Alabama
ART MEDIA: Water color
TITLE OF ARTWORK: “Color Cookies”
TEACHER: Bonny Gray
Bailey has a very vivid imagination and a passion for art. He is in the third grade at Gardendale Elementary School. He will grow up to be an architect or a builder one day.
2010 Helen Keller International Art Show
NAME: Maria Rivette
SCHOOL: Challenger Middle School Alabama
ART MEDIA: Pencil
TITLE OF ARTWORK: “Everything in Black and White”
TEACHERS: Liza Hunziker, Cynthia Norwood
Maria is a frequent participant in the Helen Keller Art Shows. She is 14 years old and attends Challenger Middle School in Huntsville, AL. Maria is very creative and imaginative.
2010 Helen Keller International Art Show
NAME: Dylan Sebastian
SCHOOL: Chalkville Middle School Alabama
ART MEDIA: Watercolor
TITLE OF ARTWORK: “Festive Dog”
TEACHER: Bonny Gray
I live at home with my mom and dad and sister, Caitlyn. I have 2 dogs, Shado and Bentley. I love to go horse back riding and am on the Silver Pride High Fly Chearleading Team. I like to go to intervention class at school.
2010 Helen Keller International Art Show
NAME: James Lee
SCHOOL: California School for the Blind
California
ART MEDIA: Tempera paint
TITLE OF ARTWORK: “Graduation Painting”
TEACHER: Minda Tayam
This is my last year at CSB. My favorite school activities are in A.P.E.: swimming, walking, and working out on the treadmill. I also enjoy painting; I like the paint colors and the sound of the brush on paper. At home, I like watching movies with my family and doing chores such as washing dishes and gardening.
2010 Helen Keller International Art Show
NAME: Diego Areila
Amadis Samoyoa
Maria Moren
SCHOOL: Concordia Learning Center at St. Joseph’s School for the Blind
New Jersey
ART MEDIA: Mixed media
TITLE OF ARTWORK: “Happy Farm”
TEACHER: Elizabeth Savage
Diego is a fun loving 5 year old boy. He enjoys playing with his friends, playing the drum, singing, dancing and learning at school. Diego likes to explore different textures and art media. He enjoyed helping his friends make this Helen Keller Art Show entry.
Amadis is a fun loving 5 year old girl. She enjoys playing with her friends, reading books, learning her subjects, singing, dancing, and playing instruments. Amadis worked with her friends to make this Helen Keller Art Show entry.
Maria is a fun loving 3 year old. She enjoys playing with her friends, dancing to music, playing games, and exploring. She worked with her friends to make this Helen Keller Art Show entry.
2010 Helen Keller International Art Show
NAME: Bobby Joe Hayes
SCHOOL: Mobile Regional School for the Deaf and Blind
Alabama
ART MEDIA: Watercolors
TITLE OF ARTWORK: “Hyacinth”
TEACHERS: Babbi Johnson, Nancy Riai
BJ enjoys exploring his surrounds. BJ's favorite color is green. He enjoys playing with his sister and playing basketball. BJ attends the Regional School for the Deaf and Blind in Mobile, AL.
2010 Helen Keller International Art Show
NAME: A’Laura Mesa
SCHOOL: California School for the Blind
California
ART MEDIA: Tempera
TITLE OF ARTWORK: “Life of the Party”
TEACHER: Minda Tayam
My family moved to California from Guam, an island in the Pacific. I like listening to music, going to the movies, and reading. My favorite kinds of music are Hip Hop and Rhythm and Blues. I like reading books by Stephanie Meyer, Gina Walter, and Danielle Steele. When I do Art I usually draw and paint. Art helps me to relax.
2010 Helen Keller International Art Show
NAME: Daniel Castro
SCHOOL: Parkway Elementary School
New York
ART MEDIA: Foil and Sharpie
TITLE OF ARTWORK: “Mythical Creature in the Light”
TEACHER: Sheila Amato
My name is Daniel Castro and I am in the 4th grade at Parkway School. My favorite subject in school is science. I want to be a video game artist when I grow up. I like to play video games and watch movies in my free tie. My favorite summer time activities are going in the pool and going to the Helen Keller Camp. I am a Weeblo Scout and I am learning to play the drums. That's me! I made my art picture by using foil, a tool that makes raised lines in the foil and sharpie markers. Its title is Mythical Creature in the Light. Thank you for enjoying my art.
2010 Helen Keller International Art Show
NAME: Michael Taylor
SCHOOL: Bowling Green Elementary
New York
ART MEDIA: Weaving, mixed media
TITLE OF ARTWORK: “Over and Under Masterpiece”
TEACHER: Sheila Amato
My name is Michael Taylor and I am in 5th grade at Bowling Green Elementary School. I love working with my TBVI, listening to audio books, playing chess, and spending time with my grandparents. Math is my favorite subject in school. I am really looking forward to learning Italian next year! I made my masterpiece by weaving strips of materials with different textures into packing material.
2010 Helen Keller International Art Show
NAME: Norman Carter, Jr.
SCHOOL: Mobile Regional School for the Deaf and Blind
Alabama
ART MEDIA: Tempera
TITLE OF ARTWORK: “Rainbow Jellyfish”
TEACHERS: Charise S. Walley, Nancy Raia
Norman enjoys coming to school. He likes to spend time playing with his younger brother Geordan. This summer Norman traveled to Japan with his family.
2010 Helen Keller International Art Show
NAME: Shakala Marsh
SCHOOL: Mobile Regional School for the Deaf and Blind
Alabama
ART MEDIA: Tempera paint
TITLE OF ARTWORK: “Rainbow Star”
TEACHERS: Lauren Gregory, Nancy Raia
Shakala enjoys helping out others. She likes playing with her friends at school. She also enjoys riding her bicycle.
2010 Helen Keller International Art Show
NAME: Sand
SCHOOL: Rancho Elementary
California
ART MEDIA: Mixed media
TITLE OF ARTWORK: “Sand”
TEACHER: Carmen Romero Gussin
Nichole Rose Jones is a very sweet 9 year old deaf-blind girl in the 4th grade at Rancho Elementary School in Spring Valley California. Nichole is one of the eithgt children and enjoys outdoors, going to the park, and spending time with her family. She also loves following the rhuthm of the music, dancing with other children and noise making musical instruments, and any object that vibrates. Nichole loves exploring the environment and collecting cue objects that represent what she has been learning about and later reproduce the image of that environment. Nichole's favorite toys are balls of all sizes.
2010 Helen Keller International Art Show
NAME: Adriana Moquillaza
SCHOOL: Concordia Learning Center at St. Joseph’s School for the Blind
New Jersey
ART MEDIA: Mixed Media
TITLE OF ARTWORK: “Self Portrait”
TEACHERS: Vivien Li
My name is Adriana Moquillaza. I am 14 years old. I live at Union City, NJ. I live with my parents, little sister and my grandparents. I like to write music and compose songs. Choir is my favorite subject and I am a reporter in the school newspaper, The Student Voice. My art is a portrait6e of myself which goes with a song that I wrote.
2010 Helen Keller International Art Show
NAME: Zachary Wayne Pounds
SCHOOL: Mobile Regional School for the Deaf and Blind
Alabama
ART MEDIA: Tempera
TITLE OF ARTWORK: “Self Portrait”
TEACHERS: Charise S. Walley, Nancy Raia
Zack enjoys spending time outdoors. He likes to come to school. Zack's favorite teacher at school is Ms. Walley. Zack also loves to go fishing.
2010 Helen Keller International Art Show
NAME: Dana Folds
SCHOOL: Clay-Chalkville High School
Alabama
ART MEDIA: Plaster carving, acrylics/tempera
TITLE OF ARTWORK: “Summer Sunflower”
TEACHERS: Bonny Gray
Dana has participated multiple times in the Helen Keller Art Shows. She is a student at Clay-Chalkville High School. She enjoys art work and other crafty things.
2010 Helen Keller International Art Show
NAME: Alloura Berard
SCHOOL: California School for the Blind
Alabama
ART MEDIA: Tempera
TITLE OF ARTWORK: “Sunset Memory”
TEACHER: Minda Tayam
My favorite subjects are computer lab, music, and art. I like painting best of all. I don't usually plan what I am going to paint - I just see what happens. My paintings show how I am feeling. Other things I enjoy are writing, singing, and going for walks.
2010 Helen Keller International Art Show
NAME: Andrea Gonzalez
SCHOOL: California School for the Blind
California
ART MEDIA: Tempera
TITLE OF ARTWORK: “The Happy Duck”
TEACHER: Minda Tayam
I am a student in the high school mainstream program. I go to the local hight school as well as CSB (California School for the Blind). I enjoy math, sports, and art. I like making things with clay, drawing, painting, and collage. Painting is especially relaxing.
2010 Helen Keller International Art Show
NAME: Peter Whitelock
SCHOOL: California School for the Blind
California
ART MEDIA: Clay and wood
TITLE OF ARTWORK: “Reg Dragon”
TEACHER: Minda Tayam
My favorite activities are hiking, swimming, and reading. I especially like reading Fantasy and science fiction stories. In art, I usually work with clay because it's easy to handle. I can feel what I'm making and don't really need vision as much. I like making pots, animal figures, and flowers. I'be made roses out of clay. I live in Truckee, CA whwer it snows a lot. I go snow shoeing and sledding in the winter.
2010 Helen Keller International Art Show
NAME: Nichole Rose Jones
SCHOOL: Rancho Elementary
California
ART MEDIA: Collage
TITLE OF ARTWORK: “Tree”
TEACHERS: Carmen Romero Gussin
Nichole Rose Jones is a very sweet 9 year old deaf-blind girl in the 4th grade at Rancho Elementary School in Spring Valley California. Nichole is one of the eithgt children and enjoys outdoors, going to the park, and spending time with her family. She also loves following the rhuthm of the music, dancing with other children and noise making musical instruments, and any object that vibrates. Nichole loves exploring the environment and collecting cue objects that represent what she has been learning about and later reproduce the image of that environment. Nichole's favorite toys are balls of all sizes.
2010 Helen Keller International Art Show
NAME: Zyshon Goldsmith
Omar Tzic
SCHOOL: Concordia Learning Center at St. Joseph’s School for the Blind
New Jersey
ART MEDIA: Mixed Media
TITLE OF ARTWORK: “Self Portrait”
TEACHER: Vivien Li
My name is Zyshon Goldsmith. I am 11 years old. I live in Newark, NJ with my mom and my brother and a younger sister. I like to watch the cooking channel and cook food. I also like to play video games and watch movies. I like Social Studies, Science and Math. I am learning algebra and geometry at school.
My name is Omar. I was born in 1997 in Hoboken. I am 12 years old. I was born with an eye condition called permanent detachment of the retina. I live with my grandmother who is my mother since she raised me. I have one older brother. I go to Concordia Learning Center at St. Joseph School for the Blind since I was a baby. I love going to school every day. My hobby is playing video games. I also like learning about the Bible. In the future I would like to be a wrestler, a pastor, or maybe the future president. I was taught that there is nothing I can't do when I put my mind to it. I know I need to work hard and make the right choices. I know that I am blind, but that does not discourage me. I know I have a long way to go, but with patience, discipline, and sacrifice I will overcome any obstacle in my path.
2010 Helen Keller International Art Show
NAME: Rachel Hyche
SCHOOL: Oak Mountain Elementary
Alabama
ART MEDIA: Paint and gold leaf
TITLE OF ARTWORK: “Wishing Well”
TEACHER: Denise Sample
I am 5 years old and I attend kindergarten at Oak Mountain Elementary School. Some of my interest include reading, playing the piano, listening to music, riding horses, swimming and girl scouts (daisies). I am learning to play the piano at North Shelby Baptist Church School of Performing Arts. I will be playing "This Land is Your Land" in our upcoming recital. i am also cheering in upwards cheer at Valleydale Baptist Church. I have enjoyed meeting new friends and trying something new. Our cheer group was invited to cheer with the Oak Mountain High School Cheerleaders at one of their home games. We had a lot of fun. My favorite activities are those that allow me to be messy, which is why I love art so much. Also my Braille teacher, Mrs. Denise Sample, doesn't mind a mess.
2010 Helen Keller International Art Show
NAME: Shy’Aila Rutledge
SCHOOL: Erwin Elementary
Alabama
ART MEDIA: Tempera
TITLE OF ARTWORK: “Vase with Flowers”
TEACHERS: Amanda McDonald, Kate Follett
Shy’Aila is a good person and she loves art. She has two sisters and two brothers. She is the youngest. She is 11 years old and lives in Birmingham, AL.
2010 Helen Keller International Art Show
NAME: Logan Strauss
Adam Fuksman
Leanna DeLaCruz
Denny Calabrese
Samy Ghuly
Jean Paul Marrero
Jose Ordanez
SCHOOL: Concordia Learning Center at St. Joseph’s School for the Blind
New Jersey
ART MEDIA: Quilting Project – mixed media
TITLE OF ARTWORK: “Patchwork Personalities”
TEACHER: Mary Giambona
Logan lives with her parents and twin sister, Alicia. She has a happy and delightful disposition. She loves listening to music and enjoys being read to.
Adam lives with his parents and an older brother. He enjoys listening to music and loves playing the drums. Adam enjoys listening to the Mets and Jets on the television with his Dad.
Leanna lives with her twin brother, Leus and her parents. She is extremely close to her paternal grandparents. Leanna loves dancing to music and enjoys being read to. She has just learned to ambulate with an adaptive walker.
Denny lives with his adoptive parents, natural brother and a sister. He loves playing with his siblings. Denny enjoys listening to music and loves to be read to.
Samy lives with his parents and a younger sister. Samy loves listening to music and enjoys being read to.
Jean Paul lives with his parents and an older brother. He enjoys playing with multi-sensory toys. Jean Paul has a happy disposition.
Jose lives with his parents, two older sisters and one younger sister. He enjoys listening to music and loves being read to.
For Information contact:
Carol Allison
or
Bobbie Fletcher
UAB School of Optometry
Vision Science Research Center
Education and Outreach Module
Worrell Building, 110
924 South 18th Street
Birmingham, Alabama 35294-4390
1-866-975-0624
Fax: 205-934-6722
callison@uab.edu
fletcheb@uab.edu
A special thanks and appreciation
to Chris Tant and the staff at the
Framin’ Shoppe for their contributions
and creativity in the matting and framing
of the touring exhibit.
Framin’ Shoppe
1615 Montgomery Hwy
Suite 102
Hoover, Alabama 35216
205-822-0750
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