Second Sense features legally blind artists' exhibit

Second Sense, a non-profit organization, began creating a yearly exhibit featuring artworks from artists who are legally blind 12 years ago.

The exhibit, Passionate Focus, has generated strong interest from talented artists all over the country. This year, 121 pieces where submitted by 24 artists and 33 were considered for this exhibit.

Abstract painting, colorful drawings, black and white photographs - these are some of the pieces that were selected by a jury of art professionals.

"It's very important to our artists to know that they aren't being judged as blind artists but as artists first," said David Tabak, executive director of Second Sense.

Tabak said the mission of this exhibit is to change the public's perceptions about people with disabilities.

"I think that's something that's really important to us because it talks about treat me as a person first, treat me as an artist first and then we'll talk about the disability," Tabak said.

Four photographs by Angela Geis were selected.

"This is my return after being out of the show for about 5-6 years due to my decreasing vision and several other issues that had gone on, so I'm happy to be back," she said.

"I'm into more spooky and darker and bleak landscape," she said. "I actually want them to feel some emotion, either a good or bad, as long as there's a reaction there from the viewers."

George Hedge has been blind since birth. This is his second time his artwork has been selected for Passionate Focus. One is called "Abstract Number 2" and the other one is "Study in Black and White Number 2."

"I like to paint with watercolor and I do stillized, I paint scenes, I'm trying to do portraits now," Hedge said.

All but one of the pieces are for sale. Seventy percent of the profits go to artists, and 30 percent goes to Second Sense.

"For a lot of artists, this is the first time they've ever displayed their art in public and this is the first time they've ever been paid for their art,"Tabak said.

The exhibit will be at the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago until June 13 and is open to the public.

"So if you really do want to see the triumph of the human spirit, come out and see Passionate Focus, you'll be changed," Tabak said.

The Illinois College of Optometry is located 3241 S. Michigan Ave. in Chicago.