A piece of art is on a tabletop. Linda is seated at the back edge of the table and a participant is sitting at the front edge. They both have their hands on the art and feeling the details with their fingers.

Table Setup

Configuring tables and chairs are key to the success of working with tactile art. It is vital that I sit in arm’s reach of each attendant as I give them individualized attention. We will be sliding the art on tabletops, between the attendees. Each person will be able to touch and feel the art as we engage in storytelling.

Six small rectangle tables are configured in a U-shape. A dozen chairs are along the outer edge of the tables. 1 rolling chair is in the crook of the U.

Seven trapezoid tables are configured in a C-shape. A dozen chairs are along the outer edge of the tables. 1 rolling chair is in the crook of the C.

Two rectangle tables are configured in a L-shape. Half a dozen chairs are along the outer edge of the tables. 1 rolling chair is in the crook of the L.

Five square tables are configured in a V-shape. Eight chairs are along the outer edge of the tables. 1 rolling chair is in the crook of the V.

A large round table is surrounded by nine chairs.

Four rectangle tables are grouped 2 wide x 2 long. A dozen chairs surround the tables.

Small groups of about a dozen attendees work best for this inclusive art experience. If your group is over a dozen, I recommend that the group be divided into smaller sections, and I give a separate presentation for each group. I have provided a variety of plans for table configuration possibilities.

For those who cannot divide their group into small sections, I offer a fishbowl experience that can accommodate up to about 3 dozen.

If the group are elementary age and the facility has an open room, sitting on the floor in a circle works great.

Ten trapezoid tables are configured in a hexagon shape. 1 1/2 dozen chairs surround the outer edges the tables. 1 1/2 dozen people stand behind, staggering the chairs. 1 rolling chair is in the core of the hexagon. Those seated can have vision los

Nine rectangle tables are configured in a square shape. 1 1/2 dozen chairs surround the outer edges of the tables. 1 1/2 dozen people stand behind, staggering the chairs. 1 rolling chair is in the core of the square. Those seated can have vision l

A couple dozen kids sit on the floor in a circle. 1 chair is part of the circle.

Schedule Storytelling with Tactile Art

“Losing one’s vision is frightening and incredibly unsettling as there is no way to touch and feel the loss. it is an ambiguous sense or feeling of loss. By working with Linda’s tactual presentations one can feel and integrate in a new way of one’s vision loss.”

— Kate Grathwold, Ph.D., President/CEO at Vision Loss Resources, Little Canada, MN

Resources and Equipment Required:

an accessible building with a room appropriate for holding a class
overhead lighting as well as a window for natural lighting
moveable tables and chairs
one rolling chair
physical help with table setup and teardown