Artist proposes sculptures to touch
Ildiko Kalapacs, a local artist who trained in classical drawing and sculpture in her homeland of Hungary, is working with a grant writer to raise $49,000 to create a three-dimensional, multimedia permanent installation of eight bronze sculptures of people's heads in the lobby waiting room of Lilac Services for the Blind.
The frontal portraits of different people would be in a classical, realistic style.
Ildiko, who graduated from Eastern Washington University in 1992 with a bachelor's degree in studio art, is working with a blind poet who writes about his experiences of overcoming his blindness. He will share some of his poetry in English and Braille, for blind or partially blind people can read it. At the bottom of each sculpture will be a bell with a different sound, so people can associate each face with a sound.
Cheryl Martin, executive director at Lilac Center for the Blind, loves the proposal, because it emphasizes diversity. She and the staff empower people who are blind or have low vision by giving them tools to live to their full potential.
"People don't realize that blind people come from diverse backgrounds, genders and cultures," said Ildiko.
"It's important that blind or partially blind people understand that someone cares about them. It's important that this sculpture is from a not-blind person," she said. "Someone sighted is inspired to do a tactile sculpture for blind or visually impaired people to explore by touch and sound.
"It will celebrate those the Lilac Center serves," she added.
Ildiko has done three-dimensional head sculptures for other exhibits and installations, including of refugees and women.
"Although I am not blind, I want to create something for people who are blind to explore. I hope it will be uplifting," she said.
"We want it to be a calming experience while they wait for meetings and classes," she said.
Ildiko notes that people who are blind are often unseen or ignored. This is a way she can offer recognition as someone who is sighted and cares to give them something lasting.
Cheryl is gathering donations for the sculpture.
For information, call 328-9116 or cherylm@lilacblind.org.
