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Bill Brown has recently begun earnestly delving into the visual arts and is quickly becoming a multi-talented, multi-disciplinary artist. At Braille Institute, he has taken classes in Art History, Basketry, Intro to Digital Photo and Collage, Mixed Media, Independent Study, Painting, and more. His eye condition, macular degeneration, allows him to work with various tactile modes of art.

Mark Carlson, a witty writer and accomplished author, explores diverse topics including maritime history, aviation, and space exploration, as well as humor and critical essays. Legally blind, he uniquely writes about his guide dogs in a way no other book has.

Born in Los Angeles, Sal pursued an education in art early on due to his recognized talents. Despite losing most of his vision in 2016, he continues to hone his skills, drawing inspiration from the dynamic world around him and enjoying hands-on work. He believes that while becoming blind or visually impaired involves adjusting to new challenges, it shouldn't prevent people from living fully and learning new things.

Jennifer's artistic journey is unique because she became an artist only after she lost her vision in November 2012. Her favorite media include watercolor and pottery. “We can do everything that sighted people can do," is her personal message.  She adds, " It’s not a disability, it’s an ability."

Shon, who has been completely blind for nearly 10 years, has channeled his passion for music into helping blind and visually impaired individuals in his community. He believes in pursuing one's goals and is inspired by Abraham Lincoln's quote, "in the end, it's not about the years in your life but the life in your years."

Born and raised in Buffalo, N.Y., Marianne and her brother share a visual impairment that diminished their color and light perception over time. At nine, she learned to knit from a family friend, and now her craft process involves touching yarn and using verbal descriptions to mentally visualize and create her projects.

Joyce has been knitting, crafting, and working as a jeweler for 35 years and has been visually impaired for 30 years. She values the focus and concentration required for intricate design work. Joyce believes that staying engaged in society and utilizing resources for the blind/visually impaired provides support, strength, and hope.

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Artist Zawadi, born Lanetta Wilkes in 1954, has been creating art for over 60 years despite her low vision, using various mediums to express her emotions and experiences. Influenced by surrealism and Impressionism, her work often features bright colors and textured panels, offering viewers a glimpse into her unique perspective shaped by vision loss.

Prior to vision loss, Rene Vazquez was involved in construction. Today, he channels his innate talents for working with brick and stone into stunning tiled mosaic projects. As an artist, Vazquez is not afraid to think and work outside of the box. He is highly prolific, creating mosaics in both two and three dimensions

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Pearl Mecenas, inspired by India's inclusive approach to helping visually impaired individuals during a 2017 visit, returned to the U.S. to volunteer at local foundations for the blind and connect with artists. She founded Gifted Blind Artists, Crafters, & Knitters (GiftedBack), the first e-commerce platform showcasing products exclusively made by blind or visually impaired individuals. Pearl aims to expand the program nationally and beyond.