The blind and visually impaired got a hands-on tour Thursday of this year’s Smithsonian Craft Show.
The tour included clients of Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind, a nonprofit based in Washington that provides a variety of programs and services in the region. It marked the first time a tour like this has occurred at the show, now in its 25th year, tour organizers said.
“I’ve never been to a craft show before,” said Arlene Matthews, a Columbia Lighthouse client who said her love of crafts brought her to the event. “Some of these things I’ve never ever seen before.”
Another tour participant, Charles Hill, said he enjoyed the show, especially Alex Mandli’s pottery exhibit.
“He showed me how the work is done and what it’s like when the clay is wet,” Hill said.
Mandli demonstrated to participants the process he goes through to make his art. He let participants feel raw clay, incomplete projects, damaged pots and final products.
Hill did not think he would have time to see everything at the show.
“It’s really a very special event for them to attend,” said Sherrie Borden, vice president of corporate communications and development for Columbia Lighthouse. She said that often visually impaired and blind people believe shows such as these are not accessible to them.
The show continues through Sunday at the National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW, Washington.
