As artists, we rely on our senses to create our forms of expression.  Many might consider sight the most important. For John Bramblitt, it’s the least.

image courtesy of bramblitt.net

Before John lost his sight, he didn’t spend much time thinking about painting.  He said, “I had thought about painting before, and it might be horrible to say, but I didn’t think I’d be good at it. When I lost my sight, I thought, if I’m not good at it, I’m not going to be able to look at it anyway, so why not give it a try.”

Painting was calming for John.  He lost his sight to epilepsy, which left him angry and frustrated.  John said, “Had I not lost my sight, I might never have picked up a paintbrush.”

John has developed a process that allows him to paint by touch.  The only difference is that instead of using his eyes to differentiate colors, he uses his fingertips.

image courtesy of bramblitt.net

John will be in Indianapolis on July 29^th to speak at the 2010 Statewide Assistive Technology Conference.  He will conduct a hands-on workshop, where he will instruct people on what it is like to paint from his perspective.

For more information on the event, go here. To learn more about John and his process of painting, visit John’s site.

I call it the Blucket List…

4. Summer Nights. What better way to spend a Friday night than to be outside under the stars watching a movie with friends, food and wine! I’m thinking a blog about finding the perfect outfit to wear to the Rocky Horror Picture Show night is an absolute must.

3. Controversy. Not to alarm anyone or anything, I’m not talking Balloon Boy style scandal here. However, I do plan to express my opinions in my blog and I really hope that people will comment and react to those opinions.

2. The Andy Warhol Enterprises Exhibit, scheduled to open in October. This exhibition makes the list for three reasons… One, if I write a blog about Warhol I’ll almost certainly accomplish #3 on my blucket list. Love him or hate him, you’re gonna talk about him! Two, no pressure on design team for the IMA or anything… but can you imagine what Warhol would have done with iPhone apps?! With that in mind the tap tour could be really sweet. And finally, I think Edie Sedgwick is fascinating. I might just use the exhibition as an excuse to emulate her style for a few months. I can rock dark eyeliner and huge chandelier earrings with the best of them…

The number ONE thing on my blucket list for the year is…

100 Acres Art and Nature Park. The concept of mixing nature and art is a brilliant way to drop the formality of visiting a Museum. People who may not have visited the Museum before can come and interact with Art on their own terms. Personally, I want to hang out with the Island People. I’ve been enjoying their blog, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds this summer!

So that’s the blucket list as it stands today. If you have any suggestions for

my list I’d love to hear about them!

Your continued financial support and philanthropy is important to the community and the IMA, and we want you to know that we appreciate you.

As a thank you, we have some fantastic opportunities for you to take advantage of, May 10-16, during our first ever IMA Member Appreciation Week. Member week is your ticket to access special tours, talks and discounts all week long. I’ll tell you about a few highlights – but take a look at our full schedule of events (RSVP to reserve your spot.)

Kick-start Member Appreciation Week on Tuesday with an introduction to the IMA’s World War II-era Provenance Research Project. Annette Schlagenhauff, Associate Curator for Research, discusses the IMA’s continued efforts to research current and proposed works in our collection and publish the findings. You may recognize Annette from her articles in the IMA Magazine.

Thursday, May 13 is Member Night. Happy Hour starts at 5:30 pm, with double discounts at Nourish Café on food and beverages, including a “Member’s Special” drink. Thursday through Sunday, the Museum Store is offering an extra 20% off merchandise related to art featured in the museum’s special exhibitions and permanent collections. After happy hour, join Chelsey Fleming, co-curator of the newly-opened Ancient Art of the Mediterranean gallery for a personal tour.

We all know the weekend is time for rest and relaxation. The Gardens and Grounds of the IMA are the place to soak in the beauty of spring- on Saturday, join us for a garden walk. Horticulturist Geoff VonBurg, will share insights on the Gene and Rosemary Tanner Orchard and its historical significance to the Lilly House. On Sunday Chad Franer, Horticulture Manager, will lead a “What’s in Bloom?” tour on the IMA grounds. Be sure to stop by the Greenhouse Shop for 20% off their unique selection of plants and merchandise.

photo by Irvin Etienne

Even after Member Week comes to a close, we still have great deals year-round for our members. Summer Nights is quickly approaching and we’re doing something new this year- special pricing and members-only online ticket sales. We are also very excited to invite you to the 100 Acres Art & Nature Park Opening Celebration on Saturday, June 19. Invites will be mailed soon.

Not a member yet? Check out the different levels and benefits and become one today to take advantage of all of the special events and deals happening during Member Week.

Thank you again for your continued support. Your input is valued, so please share ideas and suggestions about member programs that would best serve you. See you soon at the IMA!

The Pharmacy prescribes the following links to combat Monday online anemia.

CoolHunting.com

Blog: CoolHunting.com

Matt is a connoisseur of all things cool, so I wasn’t surprised when he recommended this blog to me. ‘Cool Hunting is a daily update on ideas and products in the intersection of art, design, culture and technology…‘  I really dig the gift guide.

ArtBabble Video: Robots: Evolution of a Cultural Icon

If you haven’t heard the news, ArtBabble just launched 10 new museums with lots and lots of new videos. One of our favorites from the newest batch is from The San Jose Museum of Art. And it’s about robots. Check it out below.

IMA Work of Art: The Two Sisters

The Two Sisters or The Serruys Sisters by Georges Lemmen

Tweet:

“Introducing the Hello Kitty Taser. I am both immediately horrified and filled with want.”
@bwyman