The Museum Announces the Publication of a Book by the Participants of the Women of Vision Program
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — July 8, 2025 — In celebration of Disability Pride Month, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens proudly reaffirms its enduring commitment to inclusivity and accessibility through its wide range of programs and experiences designed to empower people living with differing abilities. This month, the organization announces the publication of “Never Losing Sight of the Possibilities,” a collection of writing and artworks created by the participants of the museum’s Women of Vision program — an initiative that brings the visual and literary arts to adult women who experience blindness or low-vision.
For nearly 30 years, Women of Vision has served as a national model for inclusive arts education. This transformative initiative, recognized by the Kennedy Center in 2016, provides monthly workshops that interweave the visual and literary arts and offer a supportive community for creative expression. Participants engage in tactile experiences such as Touch Tours of the museum’s permanent collection, explore the beauty of the historic Gardens and express themselves through memoir writing, sculpture, ceramics, collage, printmaking and painting.
“Never Losing Sight of the Possibilities” is a beautifully crafted book, edited by program facilitator Libby Heineken, Ph.D., that chronicles the inspiring journeys of 57 women through insightful writing and moving artworks, and underscores the importance of art being accessible to everyone. More than that, they are stories about life, resilience, and the profound lessons we can all learn. The production of the book was made possible with support from the W.W. & Eloise Gay Foundation and the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, Wisconsin.
“This book celebrates the remarkable women whose voices, creativity, and community have shaped this program over three decades,” said Kim Kuta Dring, Director of Learning and Engagement. “It illustrates how inclusive museum programs can create important spaces for empowerment and connection.”
Women of Vision is one of several programs presented by the museum to serve visitors with differing abilities. Additional examples include:
? In furthering its mission of accessibility, the Museum also offers Sensory Friendly Sundays, a welcoming initiative designed for visitors with sensory sensitivities or differing cognitive abilities. Held quarterly, these sensory-friendly mornings allow visitors to explore the museum at their own pace in a low-stimulation environment. With early access to the museum and supportive staff, Sensory Friendly Sundays foster a space of comfort and connection, encouraging all visitors to experience the museum in their own way. Visitors are encouraged to stay and enjoy the museum for the remainder of the day at their leisure.
? This spring, the museum also celebrated the 30th anniversary of its acclaimed Arts for All Festival: an award-winning program that has offered more than 43,000 regional students with differing abilities, their teachers and families the opportunity to engage in unique art, gardens and music experiences. A community collaboration since 1995, designed specifically for children whose daily routines are often limited to the classroom and home, the festival provides a safe place for children to explore a new environment and practice their social skills. The Museum welcomed 267 students from 17 schools in Northeast Florida to its campus, while over 1,500 students enjoyed the virtual festivities during the 2025 festival. The 2025 Arts for All Festival Presenting Sponsors are The Bradley Turner Foundation Next Generation Fund and The Florida Blue Foundation. Sponsors whose support helped make this program possible are The Chartrand Family Fund, the DuBow Family Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, First Horizon Foundation, and Sally Baldwin, as well as partner TD Bank Charitable Foundation. Program Underwriters are Brooks Rehabilitation and The PLAYERS Championship.
Throughout Disability Pride Month and beyond, the Cummer Museum invites the community to honor the importance of inclusion and accessibility in the arts. Whether through the empowering voices of the Women of Vision, the calming experience of Sensory Sundays or the museum’s continued investment in accessible programming like Arts for All, the organization is a place where every person’s creativity, perspective, and story is valued.
To learn more about the Cummer Museum and its programming, please visit www.cummermuseum.org.
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About the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens:
The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens stands as a beacon of culture and inspiration in Jacksonville, Florida, proudly showcasing an impressive collection of art and stunning historically significant gardens. Founded in 1958 by the visionary Ninah Cummer, a powerful woman deeply committed to her community, the museum reflects her passion for art, gardens and education. Ninah's dream was to create a space where the beauty of fine art and nature could be appreciated and shared with all, and she succeeded in transforming her family estate into this remarkable institution. The museum boasts an exquisite collection that spans from ancient to contemporary art, including European masterpieces and American works that resonate with the spirit of the region. Complementing the art is a series of beautifully landscaped gardens along the St. Johns River that invite visitors to explore and find tranquility amidst nature’s splendor. This harmonious blend of art and nature not only enhances the visitor experience but also embodies the essence of creativity and serenity that defines the Cummer Museum, making it an essential destination for art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. As a landmark in Jacksonville, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens not only honors Ninah Cummer's legacy but also serves as a vital cultural hub for education, creativity, and community engagement. This resonance is reflected in accolades driven by community votes, including Best Art Gallery, Best Museum and Best Place to Get Married (Folio Weekly, 2025) and Best Art Museum and Best of Bride - Runner Up (Jacksonville Magazine). It stands as a testament to the power of one woman's vision and her enduring impact on the arts in the community.