{"id":134,"date":"2016-09-19T10:17:17","date_gmt":"2016-09-19T10:17:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/client-aviddesigngroup.com\/touchsta\/?page_id=134"},"modified":"2021-09-27T16:43:19","modified_gmt":"2021-09-27T16:43:19","slug":"about","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/staaa.org\/touch\/about\/","title":{"rendered":"About"},"content":{"rendered":"
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About TOUCH St. Augustine<\/h3>\n
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About TOUCH St. Augustine<\/h3>\n

TOUCH Saint Augustine<\/strong> is a community outreach initiative developed by the Saint Augustine Art Association to improve accessibility and enhance appreciation of the public art and history of Saint Augustine, Florida.<\/p>\n

The project was inspired by the organization\u2019s annual Tactile Art Show\u2013an exhibit of touchable art with Braille signage. The goal of TOUCH Saint Augustine was to create a permanent citywide tactile art installation beyond the gallery walls.<\/p>\n

Seven sculptures around the historic Plaza comprise what is referred to as the TOUCH Saint Augustine “Braille Trail.” The people and images represented in these public works of art were instrumental to the growth of the nation’s oldest city, which was founded September 8, 1565. The sculptures are brought to life through site-specific Braille signage with raised tactile diagrams and interpretive descriptions, as well as compelling audio stories available for free by phone, mobile web app and online.<\/p>\n

Created in partnership with Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, the Community Foundation of Northeast Florida, the Florida Humanities Council, the City of Saint Augustine, Flagler College and the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Augustine, the TOUCH Saint Augustine “Braille Trail” was awarded the 2016 Florida Trust for Historic Preservation’s top honor for preserving the Historic Landscape.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Tactile Art Show
\nOctober 1-31, 2021<\/h1>\n

Touch the artwork, please! The Saint Augustine Art Association Tactile Art Show turns the tables on museum etiquette. This year, the\u00a0exhibit of touchable art is hosted in partnership with the Florida DeafBlind Association and offers a unique opportunity for visitors of all ages and abilities to explore and enjoy the artists’ handiwork up close and personal.<\/p>\n

The 2021 Tactile Art Show is sponsored by VyStar Credit Union<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The exhibit was founded by Saint Augustine Artist Jean Light Willis who forged the long-term partnership with Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) nearly 20 years ago. In addition to creating the Braille signage, FSDB students tour the exhibit for mobility training and participate in hands on art activities.<\/p>\n