Seeing Through The Heart: Portraits Of The Blind In Hawaii is a visual arts exhibit featuring art by, for and about People in Hawaii who are blind. This black and white photography exhibit includes Braille narrations, tactile imagery, sound description and artwork by the blind community. 

This interactive exhibit raises awareness of the visually challenged community in Hawaii, promotes integration, inspires our hearts and challenges stereotypes, ultimately celebrating the different ways people see. Subjects were asked about their connection to a particular place in Hawaii, and this became the location for the Portrait. Portraits including a narrative paragraph, a tactile version of the image, and a sound description of the photograph, allowing the visually challenged community and other sense challenged individuals to enjoy the exhibit. 

“One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes.” – Antoine de Saint Exupery

“Seeing” does not require sight through the eyes. We can learn from the blind, a new way to see Hawaii, the world, the self, and each other. This exhibit will shed light on what it is like to live in darkness in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Profound stories are essential to living a more human existence. Giving the unheard a voice, and making the unseen noticed is a true gift to the community.  

Naomi Olson’s photographs have shown internationally and she has had five solo shows in Honolulu including the featured artist at Club Monaco’s grand opening gala and Artist’s of Hawaii 2011