Art and Human Dignity
NOTE: This article has been cross-posted and originally appeared on the Center for Faith and Culture at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, as part of their series The Way of Christ in the Arts.
Have you ever imagined discovering a 3D printer, puff paint, or a recording of a baseball game at a national art museum? Could these tools foster connection and belonging? When art is adapted for accessibility, it transcends mere creative expression—it becomes a means of restoration, drawing us closer to God’s beauty and creativity.
As Makoto Fujimura writes, “God is the ultimate artist,” and our creative expressions reflect His divine craftsmanship. By embracing creativity and inclusion, we testify to a God who transforms brokenness into beauty, inviting us to join Him in the redemptive work of renewal—one creative act at a time.
Accessible art reflects this redemptive process. It breaks down barriers, inviting individuals—especially those with disabilities—into experiences of beauty and connection that might otherwise remain out of reach. Through accessibility, art becomes a transformative tool for engaging with one another and God’s creation.
Bridging Barriers Through Connection and Creativity
When I graduated from my program in Intercultural Studies at SEBTS, I envisioned living overseas, serving, and learning from distant cultures. I never imagined that nearly a decade later, I’d graduate from another program that would lead me into a completely different field.
My studies taught me to approach diverse cultural contexts with humility and empathy—principles that I now apply in my work as an occupational therapist. In this role, I walk alongside individuals facing trauma or loss of function, helping them rediscover their independence and find joy in daily routines and meaningful activities. Even with this foundation, I could never have imagined the unique spaces God would guide me to—including the world of art.
The Emotional Toll of Vision Loss
One community that has deeply shaped my perspective is individuals living with vision loss. Beyond physical challenges, vision loss can create barriers to meaningful activities and connection. According to the CDC, one in four adults with vision loss experiences anxiety or depression, and younger individuals are five times more likely to face mental health challenges than their peers.
I remember a client whose home was filled wall to wall with unique, globally sourced art. Though she was blind, she could vividly recount each piece’s intricate details and history. Another client, a gifted woodworker, had lost the ability to craft the detailed designs that once defined his work. Though his hands could no longer shape wood, he continued to speak passionately about the stories woven into each creation.
These passions, so closely tethered to who they were, now felt far away. Our time together focused on how to live amidst this loss while also finding and adapting outlets where they could experience creativity, independence, and continue to share themselves with others.
The Transformative Role of Accessible Art
When creativity meets accessibility, art becomes a powerful tool for restoration and connection. During my training at UNC Chapel Hill, I had the privilege of working with institutions such as the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) and the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA), where I witnessed firsthand the impact of inclusive art initiatives for individuals with visual impairments.
Tactile art experiences invited visitors to engage with 3D-printed sculptures, puff-paint recreations, and auditory descriptions. Imagine receiving a reproduction of a piece of art, where you can trace the textured lines of a dress’s hem, enhanced with puff paint, while a vivid description brings the artwork to life. Picture holding a 3D-printed model of a famous sculpture during a tour or immersing yourself in the lively sounds of a baseball game as someone vividly describes an artist’s recreation of a bustling ballpark scene.
Simple adaptations allow participants to explore the artwork’s textures, forms, and stories—through touch, sound, and even smell. Sensory-rich exhibits combine music, soundscapes, and interactive elements, creating immersive environments where individuals of all abilities are welcomed and engaged. The smiles, curiosity, and engagement of participants prove how accessible art can bridge the gap between isolation and shared human experience, offering both belonging and joy.
Stories of Hope and Creativity
One story that resonates with me is of a gifted potter and her husband, an accomplished musician, whose life was upended by his progressive vision loss. As his sight diminished, isolation took hold, but his wife saw an opportunity to use her artistic gifts to bridge the gap. She began offering pottery classes for individuals with visual impairments, turning these sessions into more than just a creative outlet. They became a means of healing, community, and shared purpose.
She also worked as a museum docent, enhancing art experiences for individuals with disabilities by helping them safely navigate and connect with art in meaningful ways. Her husband, too, reclaimed his passion for music. Through tailored music sheets and assistive technology, he adapted to his new reality and rediscovered the joy of creating and participating in the worship team at his local church.
A Call to Action
No matter where you are in your vocation or season of life, the skills and passions God has entrusted to you can serve as powerful bridges for your community. Through acts of hospitality and advocacy, we open wide narrow doors and invite others to experience firsthand the beauty of our Creator, His creation, and His desire to walk in relationship with each of us. In everything you do, your actions—no matter how small—become a testimony to a God who is at work, renewing the world through His creativity.
