LI Braille Artist Showcases Tactile Work: 'Truly Inclusive Experience'

Arts & Entertainment

LI Braille Artist Showcases Tactile Work: 'Truly Inclusive Experience' "Working with Braille, I'm able to bring joy to people that are typically excluded from the art world."

MONTAUK, NY — An East End artist is opening up new vistas for the visually challenged — and it's taught her to see the world in a deeply fulfilling new light.

Juliana Purcell Sheehan will be showcasing her tactile art Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 478 West Lake Drive in Montauk, in the same building as Sundae Fundae, across from Shipwreck Montauk.

"Juliana's unique work invites viewers to explore art through the sense of touch, creating a truly inclusive experience," event organizers said. "Step into a peaceful space, leave your shoes and stress at the door, and let your soul absorb the art and passion poured into each piece. This is more than just an exhibition — it's a chance to embrace creativity, beauty, and connection."

Speaking with Patch, Sheehan described her work: "Each of my paintings has visual aspects of style ranging from abstract, impressionistic or contemporary. However, in addition, they all include a Braille message intended for attendees to touch/read."

Sheehan said she knew she wanted to open up the world of art to many who may not have had the chance to immerse themselves in the beauty surrounding them.

"In 2015, I did a lot of research after coming up with the idea to add Braille; however, nothing came up — no one had tried it," she said. "I was pretty surprised and excited to do my own thing and eager to see how people— all people, all ages, would respond. It took some time to teach myself Braille, to educate myself about talking to organizations, and to figure out how I would go about the process."

The journey has been life-changing, Sheehan said.

"One of the most rewarding parts of working with Braille is that I'm able to bring joy to people that are typically excluded from the art world," she said. "There has always been a strict 'no touching' policy. I wanted to change that — and include everyone."

To that end, each painting title also conveys what the painting says in Braille, so viewers who can't read Braille can understand, she explained.

"Each visual element connects with the message. Through allowing my work to be touched, I have been given the joy of meeting so many more people and non-profits organizations that have bettered myself as a person, but also an artist."

Although she had been showing her artwork from a very young age, Sheehan described the moment that changed her life's direction.

"It was almost 10 years ago when I was inspired by a man who couldn't see. He was attending an art fair where I was showing some work. His partner left him standing in one spot while she enjoyed herself shopping around at different booths. When she was done, she came back and guided him away. After they left, I was still thinking about him. I started to teach myself Braille that week and debuted my first Braille collection, 'Faces That Have Seen' later that year."

"Don't miss this opportunity to engage with art in a whole new way," Sheehan said.