It’s hard to imagine creating a masterpiece using a power saw. It’s even harder to image doing it blind.

That’s what blind or disabled artists have done in the “Art Beyond Bounds” exhibit now on display at the Rio Grande Depot Mezzanine Gallery, located at 300 S. Rio Grande St. in Salt Lake City.

More than 30 artists are involved in the exhibit and have worked on art using magnifying glasses, their mouths to paint and even power saws to build spectacular furniture, all while being completely blind. There are many different types of artworks on display including sculptures, crafts and drawings.

“I have never been to this exhibit before, but I just heard about it and I can’t wait to go check it out,” said Natasha Alarid, a BYU student, from Temecula, Calif. “I can’t even imagine what it would be like to have to paint or draw being blind.”

There are six different organizations that have teamed up to help host the exhibit: The Utah State Library, The Utah Department of Community and Culture, Utah Arts and Museums, Utah State History, Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired and Art Access and Kindred Spirits. All these organizations hope to display the work of the blind and disabled so others can learn and appreciate the challenges they face.

“Utah State Library and the exhibition partners are delighted to support this endeavor,” said Donna Jones Morris, state librarian. “It’s a way to display the work of blind and disabled artists and to learn about and appreciate the challenges they face in producing their art. The development of this project has enriched all of us who have worked on it and will do the same for people who come to see the exhibit.”

“Art Beyond Bounds” is an inspiring event for the community because it is the first time there is a place where local artists with different types of disabilities can come and show off their artwork. Not only is it inspiring for the artists but also for those who come to admire the art. It’s an opportunity to have peoples’ eyes opened to the not-so-perfect world and also find a way to overcome the challenges in everyday life.

“I think it is so neat what these people do. They don’t let anything hold them back,” Alarid said.
The exhibit runs now through Jan. 4, 2010.