Now in Tempe, Arizona
Centering Melanated Vision: Deaf Visual Arts Exhibition
Project Overview
Centering Melanated Vision is a curated visual arts exhibition in Tempe that amplifies Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing, and Late Deafened artists—centering melanated voices and lived experiences through visual storytelling.
This project creates a public-facing cultural space where Deaf-led artistic expression is not adapted for access, but designed with accessibility at its core, including ASL and Protactile-informed engagement.
This project creates a public-facing cultural space where Deaf-led artistic expression is not adapted for access, but designed with accessibility at its core, including ASL and Protactile-informed engagement.
What This Project Will Do
- Feature 2–3 Tempe-based Deaf and DeafDisabled artists
- Present a public, in-person visual arts exhibition
- Create a space for community connection and cultural expression
- Expand access through Deaf-centered and DeafBlind-centered design
Exhibition Experience
The exhibition will be a thoughtfully curated space where audiences are invited to engage with visual storytelling through multiple sensory approaches.
The experience may include:
The experience may include:
- Visual art (painting, photography, mixed media, tactile work)
- Artist-led engagement or presence
- Guided interaction through ASL and Protactile practices
- A public opening reception and/or artist talk
Why Tempe
Tempe is a vibrant and diverse arts community with strong potential to expand inclusive, accessible cultural experiences.
This project contributes by:
This project contributes by:
- Supporting local Deaf and DeafDisabled artists
- Increasing visibility of underrepresented voices
- Creating meaningful opportunities for community engagement
- Expanding how accessibility is experienced in public art spaces
Community Impact
This project centers communities that are often excluded from traditional art spaces, while inviting the broader public into a shared experience of art, identity, and connection.
By prioritizing Deaf and DeafBlind cultural frameworks, the exhibition fosters deeper understanding, inclusion, and engagement across communities.
By prioritizing Deaf and DeafBlind cultural frameworks, the exhibition fosters deeper understanding, inclusion, and engagement across communities.
Project Status
Currently in development and seeking:
- Community partnerships in Tempe and the greater Phoenix area
- Artist collaborators (2–3 local artists)
- Funding and sponsorship support
About the Initiative
This project is part of the Melanated Deaf Visual Arts Project (MDVAP), a cultural initiative dedicated to uplifting Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing, and Late Deafened artists of color through visual storytelling and community-centered art experiences.
Project Lead
Earl Terry
Founder, Gecko BASL + Protactile + ASL LLC
Educator, Curator, and Advocate for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Multimarginalized Communities
Founder, Gecko BASL + Protactile + ASL LLC
Educator, Curator, and Advocate for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Multimarginalized Communities
Connect / Partner
Interested in collaborating, supporting, or learning more:
[email protected]
602-563-6408
http://www.earlterry.com
[email protected]
602-563-6408
http://www.earlterry.com
Centering Melanated Vision. Amplifying Deaf Art. Expanding access through culture and community.