AUSTIN, TX.- The UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum​ has partnered with the Texas School for Blind and Visually Impaired to create an intriguing program with an offering unparalleled by most of today's museums. For many, the word “museum” seems boring with guests restrained behind ropes and red lines, where the closest you can get to the art is a “safe” distance of five feet or more. However, for the UMLAUF, art is experiential. Not only are a vast majority of their Charles Umlauf sculptures and guest exhibitions nestled in the leafy green of the outdoors, but many of them can be touched and felt by patrons.

While most of us experience art with our eyes, there are some that must rely on another sense, touch. For the blind and visually impaired, the UMLAUF is developing a program they call ​Touch Tours, which provide patrons with a guided tour through the garden and assistance when describing and interacting with the sculptures. Through this partnership with the Texas School for Blind and Visually Impaired, the esteemed sculpture garden and museum will provide training for their docents leading these tours to ensure the best possible experience for all guests.

"We decided to embark on this partnership with the Texas School for Blind and Visually Impaired to create these touch tours because we want to continue to make art fun and accessible for anyone and everyone," said UMLAUF executive director Sarah Story. "It is important to our team here at the UMLAUF that we are providing experiences that open our gates to all Austinites and visitors alike. Unlike most sculpture gardens and museums, most of our works are made to be touched and engaged with, and we're thrilled to bring this tailored experience to the blind and visually impaired community."

The UMLAUF strives to make art fun and accessible for anyone who’s interested. Art shouldn’t be kept behind glass or velvet ropes––it is meant to be enjoyed, explored and experienced.

"When the UMLAUF approached us about collaborating on these touch tours, we were thrilled to be involved and provide insights on interacting with art for the blind and visually impaired," said Scott Baltisberger with the Texas School for Blind and Visually Impaired. "Our goal was to not only teach the UMLAUF docents about engaging with the art in a different way but also engaging with the blind and visually impaired community. You have to really rethink how you approach art without the sense of sight and describe it as though you've never seen it before. We can't wait to see how this program impacts the blind and visually impaired community, as well as those who are visually inclined."