Rock Port students Anna Weber and Amelia Mason entered artwork for the first time in the spring of 2024 and found out in June that their art was chosen to be in the APH InSights Art Exhibition in Louisville, Ky.

Since 1992, the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) has hosted the InSights Art Competition, an international art contest open to artists of all ages with vision loss.

Every spring, the InSights Art Program receives anywhere from 300-500 art submissions.

InSights then assembles a jury of art professionals select 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category along with other notable artwork (up to 100 pieces each year).

All selected artworks are displayed at the InSights Art Exhibition, which happens every October, coinciding with APH’s Annual Meeting. Winners are invited to a festive Awards Banquet, also held at that time, where the artists are honored for their achievements.

Anna created a piece that she named “Symmetry in Action.” The piece consists of two separate canvases, filled with painted colors that mirror each other. Both canvases feature a tactile, bumpy texture.

Amelia created a piece that she named “Mason Farm.” It consisted of a set of six mason jars that were painted on the inside and outside to represent a barn, a bull, a puppy, a pig, a chick, and a cow.

When Anna found out that her art was chosen for the exhibition, she was happy and excited. Amelia said that she was excited, adding, “I felt like it was an honor to be in the art show because I was one of only 20 percent of artists to be chosen in the exhibition.”

Anna had the opportunity to travel with her mother and grandmother to attend the APH conference and art award ceremony in Louisville, Kentucky. Anna’s favorite part of the APH experience was the “Meet the Artist” experience and selling her artwork. She enjoyed meeting people from around the country who were there for the art exhibit. Anna also enjoyed some of the conference perks, such as getting free sunglasses donated by a local vendor. While in Louisville, Anna had a chance to explore the city and enjoy local activities, food, and dessert.

If you would like to learn more about the APH InSights Art Competition, please visit: https://insights-art.org/

Article information submitted by Teresa Crecelius.