According to the National Federation for the Blind in 2016, 39,700 Nebraskans have a visual disability. The National Endowment for the Arts has said, "Not every mind or body will experience Art the same way. But every mind and body are entitled to the experience."
On Tuesday, October 21st, the Nebraska History Museum (131 Centennial Mall N) is offering a Noon - 1:00 p.m. and repeat presentation from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. celebrating the permanent installation of the 3-D Tactile Model of the Pershing Mural in conjunction with World Blind Equality Achievement Month. Both presentations will include leaders within Nebraska's blind population and John Olson (Co-Founder of 3D PhotoWorks, Chatham, New York), creator of the 3D Tactile of the Pershing Mural.
Olson is an American photographer, former combat photographer and Robert Capa Gold Medal winner in 1968 for "exceptional courage and initiative" for his series of photographs of the Battle of Hue during the Vietnam War. His photographs were published by Stars and Stripes and also in Life Magazine. Olson's raw images played a significant role in American's subsequent withdrawal from the Vietnam War. His photograph of a tank on which a group of wounded Marines are piled is considered one of the most emblematic images of the conflict.
Olson will provide information about his professional background, and how, after becoming aware of the need for Tactiles to support an often-forgotten population, he ultimately evolved from his career as a photographer to co-founding 3D PhotoWorks and creating 3-D Tactile Models worldwide. Each one-hour presentation at the Museum is an opportunity to learn and ask questions about the Pershing Mural Historic Preservation Project. It will also be of interest to individuals who may be interested in art, education and/or technology to pursue a creative and cutting-edge career.
The 3D Tactile of the Pershing Mural Tactile is a state-of-the-art component of the Pershing Mural Historic Preservation Project. As an educational tool it offers Braille for the blind and low vision population. It also incorporates touch-sensitive information (in English and Spanish) and short dialogues describing the Project and the Mural's 38-character groupings. The Tactile was funded by The Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (NCBVI), under the leadership of Carlos Servan, NCBVI Executive Director. Of note, it is the only 3-D Tactile on permanent display in the State of Nebraska.
QUESTIONS: Liz Shea-McCoy, Chair, Pershing Mural Historic Preservation Committee (402) 430-5923 lizwshea@gmail.com