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Vision Science Research Center School of Optometry | School of Medicine

2023 Helen Keller Art Show of Alabama Opening Reception

The Mission: The Helen Keller Art Show of Alabama value, honor, and celebrate students with visual impairments, blindness and or deaf blindness artistic abilities and creative works.

The 2023 Helen Keller Art Show of Alabama artist reception was held Sunday, January 29, 2023, at the Shelby County Arts Council 105 W College St Columbiana, AL. There are 37 pieces of art on display celebrating students with visual impairments, blindness and or deaf blindness from throughout the state of Alabama. The annual opening reception is the kickoff for the Helen Keller Art Show of Alabama as it travels throughout the state for the entire year.  The show continues to grow as we promote awareness on the talents and abilities of students with visual impairments, deafness and or deaf blindness.

Please click here to see the 2023 Helen Keller Art Show of Alabama Tour Schedule 

Each year two artists and their families are selected to participate in the annual Helen Keller Festival in Tuscumbia, AL. The Patty Johnson/Helen Keller Foundation Board and Sue Pilkerton, Executive Director Helen Keller Birthplace Ivy Green and The Colbert County Board of Tourism and Convention Bureau are sponsors for the artist and their families to attend a fun and exciting weekend in Tuscumbia, AL.

The artists serve as Grand Marshals in the city-wide parade and are recognized as VIPs the entire weekend. They are also honored at the live performances of the “Miracle Worker" play held on the grounds of Ivy Green. The entire art exhibit will be on display across the street from Ivy Green at The Tennessee Valley Museum of Art during the festival.

Please click here to view the 2023 Helen Keller Art Show Pictures.  Each piece of art is unique and completed by students with direction from their vision teachers, art teachers, and or parents.


2023 Winner of the Patty Johnson award sponsored by The Helen Keller Foundation Board:

  • "Sky of the White Owl" Artist: Nathan Brand, Alabama School for the Blind/AIDB Campus, Talladega, AL

2023 Winner of the Colbert County Board of Tourism and Convention Bureau award:

  • "Deku and Eri" Artist: Morgan Barron, Charles Henderson High School, Troy, AL

2023 Purchase /Award Winners (additional sponsors of the HKAS):

    • UAB SOO/Vision Science Research and Outreach Center
      • “Lavender Garden” Artist: Sadie Thomas, Gardendale High School, Gardendale, AL
    • Council for Exceptional Children/Division for Visual Impairments
      • “Red Flower” Artist: Jennifer Trotman, Helen Keller School, AIDB Campus, Talladega, AL
    • Marietta Wicks Agent/State Farm Insurance
      • “Endless Flowers” Artist: Cedric Caver, Alabama School for the Blind/AIDB Campus, Talladega, AL 
    • Hoover Lions Club…..Donation of $200.00
    • Drs. John and Nancy Mascia
      • "Sky at Sunrise" Artist: RaMiya Jordon Madison Faulk, ASB/AIDB Campus Talladega, AL
    • The Cook Family
      • “Pixie in the Woods” Artist: Henrietta Murray, Paine Elementary School, Trussville, AL
    • Dr. Steven Boyles, Optometrist, Atlanta, GA
      • "Dripping Heart" Artist: Leigh-Partridge, Alabama School for the Blind/AIDB Campus Talladega, AL
    • Dr. Lawrence Sincich, Professor UAB Vision Science Research Center
      • "Jelly Fish Under the Sea" Artist: Taylor Gannon, Helen Keller School, AIDB Campus, Talladega, AL 


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