Art Beyond Sight Tours with the Seattle Art Museum

After more than 14 years of work in law enforcement and management, Jon Schorsch went on to earn a master’s degree in public administration and a juris doctor from Seattle University. In addition to his academic and professional achievements, Jon Schorsch is active in numerous organizations that advocate for people with impaired vision, including Sight Connection in Seattle, Washington.

Founded in 1965 as Community Services for the Blind, Sight Connection is a leading private vision rehabilitation agency committed to helping people with vision loss enjoy an active and independent lifestyle. In addition to a low vision clinic, the organization offers independent living training programs, counseling and education services, and support for people who rely on assistive technology.

In cooperation with the Seattle Art Museum, Sight Connection offers "Art Beyond Sight" tours of the museum’s collections to people with vision loss. Docents, specially trained to make artwork come alive for people with vision impairments, lead participants on an examination of portions of the museum’s collection.

Docents describe the physical attributes of each piece of artwork, such as its size, colors, and objects featured in the work. The guides use vivid, poetic imagery to help participants picture the art in their minds. By hearing the historic, technical, and artistic context of the works, participants are better able to grasp the artwork’s import and effect.

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