[Greater-Baltimore] Amphibious Adventure continues

[Cricket X. Bidleman]

Friends,

 

Next week, Ellie Flock (ArtEasy) and Andrew Simpson (Game of Frogs) will
visit our chapter meeting to discuss the project regarding accessible art
around the city. I am excited to moderate a discussion where we can help
guide the next phases of the project.

 

As a reminder: the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) has provided the
Riverside Business Council with funding for accessible sculptures to be
place around the city. They are considering locations like the Baltimore
Museum of Industry, somewhere in one of the local parks, Cross Street
Market, and our very own headquarters. This is contingent on receiving
permission, so final placements may be a little different. They are large
sculptures of frogs resembling the ones native to Maryland. We advised them
on how to hold an accessible grant kickoff event, in which participants
painted and decorated small frog statuettes. Ellie and Andrew brought lots
of little tactile elements which all participants-blind and non-blind
alike-enjoyed immensely. Now Ellie and Andrew are bringing a foam-stuffed
concrete prototype of the final product for us to examine.

 

I'm looking forward to this conversation. In advance, Ellie, Andrew, and I
would be grateful if you would consider the following:

 

1.	What makes art both engaging and accessible?
2.	 What are some common (or uncommon) mistakes artists make when
trying to add accessibility elements?
3.	What are the most effective methods of conveying information on-site
about the sculptures, such as Braille, NFC tags, etc.?
4.	Other relevant topics

 

As a sidenote, I have asked them to add some Braille to the sculptures, and
have provided the Braille Authority of North America (BANA) resource about
font, spacing, etc. If you have other guidance on this, feel free to discuss
next Saturday.

 

I very much look forward to this conversation, and thank you in advance for
bringing your thoughts to our meeting. Of course, thank you to President
Danielsen, President Riccobono, Cheryl Fogle Hatch, and Marguerite woods for
serving as focus group members. I can't do this alone. 

 

Best,

cricket

 

 

--Cricket X. Bidleman (she/her/hers)

B.A | Stanford University, Class of 2021