The Museum of Glass presents the Contrasts Multi-Sensory Experience, a new educational program to augment the ongoing exhibition, Contrasts: a Glass Primer, on view through October 11, 2009. The multi-sensory experience includes audio descriptions of the artwork along with glass elements that visitors can touch to illustrate specific attributes of the glass.

The Contrasts Multi-Sensory Experience was originally designed to broaden the opportunity for visually impaired museum-goers to experience the exhibition. “We intended to develop this program to address the needs of one audience, but we found it will provide benefits to the general public as well,” states Susan Warner, Museum of Glass Director of Public Programs. “In addition to the visually impaired audience, the applications presented in this program will enhance the experience of all visitors—including small children and families.”

Contrasts: A Glass Primer displays works in glass in pairings or small groupings that highlight differences in technique, appearance, conception or purpose. The contrast FLUID and RIGID, for example, is represented by a curly-headed blown vessel by Dale Chihuly displayed next to an angular cast sculpture by Stanislav Libenský and Jaroslava Brychtová. More than fifty objects are included in the exhibition’s nineteen groupings which are arranged to emphasize both the history of glassmaking and the choices that artists make. “The very nature of the Contrasts exhibition lent itself perfectly to introducing a multi-sensory experience,” continues Warner.

To utilize the Contrasts Multi-Sensory Experience, visitors can check out a handheld audio device with easily-accessible buttons to activate audio tracks. The audio program includes three tracks. The first track provides a detailed description of the objects’ appearance. Although it is primarily intended for the visually impaired, sighted visitors may also appreciate the carefully crafted descriptions and observe the artwork in a different way.

The second track includes commentary by Contrasts curator, Vicki Halper. Halper discusses the significance of each work of art and why it was chosen to be included in the exhibition. The third track directs visitors to the next grouping of objects included in the multi-sensory program. The tour is designed to be self-guided, but Museum of Glass docents are also available to provide assistance to visitors.

In addition to the auditory elements, six tactile stations containing glass objects created by the MOG Hot Shop team are installed with select groupings. Unlike most glass displayed in the Museum galleries, these objects are meant to be touched so visitors can feel the physical contrasts in the glass. “When people see or hear about glass art, they intuitively want to touch it,” states Warner. “Finally, we have a program that will allow them to do just that.”

The Museum of Glass consulted with Joan Rabinowitz from Jack Straw Productions and Jesse Minkert of Arts and Visually Impaired Audiences to develop the descriptive audio text. Mark Adrian, Communications and Employer consultant for the Washington State Department of Services for the Blind, also contributed to the development of the program. The Contrasts Multi-Sensory Experience is sponsored by McGavick Graves, P. S. and the Pierce County Arts Commission.
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The Museum of Glass provides a dynamic learning environment to appreciate the medium of glass through creative experiences, collections and exhibitions. In addition to the Hot Shop Amphitheater where visitors can watch artists work, the facilities include galleries, outdoor exhibition areas, a theater, studio, grand hall, store and café.

The Museum of Glass is sponsored in part by the Gary E. Milgard Foundation, the Bamford Foundation, the Klorfine Foundation, Gallucci’s, the City of Tacoma Arts Commission, the Washington State Arts Commission and ArtsFund.