Myrna Munchus-Bullock, head of the community education and outreach program at the Center for the Performing Arts, helped to train the volunteers. The goal is to give the hearing impaired a sense of descriptive narrative for plays, dances or films, Munchus-Bullock said. Volunteers and participants come from across Pennsylvania, Arnold said. For about two hours, volunteers guide participants through whatever he or she is interested in, including shows or exhibits. To hear people describe art puts a little more flavor on it.
Volunteers are students, museum workers, community members and retired citizens.
Participants range from young adults to senior citizens, Arnold said. Volunteers need to understand their partner's individual differences, but need not have an intensive background in art or art history, Arnold said. There are special signs at various exhibits indicating that touching is allowed for participants of the Festival Eyes program. Most of the artists are willing to let them touch their work. The program is co-sponsored by the Sight Loss Support Center and the Arts Festival.