Click here, or on the image below, to watch our video about the InSights Art Program.
Since 1992, The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) has hosted the InSights Art Competition, an international art contest open to artists of all ages with vision loss. This popular program reflects APH’s mission to promote the independence of people who are blind and low vision by encouraging artists to create original works, in addition to improving arts education and arts opportunities for individuals who are blind and low vision.
Every spring, the InSights Art Program receives anywhere from 300 to 500 art and craft submissions. InSights will then assemble a jury of art professionals to award prizes in each category and select other notable artwork (up to 100 pieces each year).
All selected artworks will be displayed at the InSights Art Exhibition, which happens every October, coinciding with APH’s Annual Meeting. Winners are invited to a festive Awards Banquet, also held at that time, where the artists are honored for their achievements.
Who Qualifies
Any person who meets the following definition of blindness may enter artwork: corrected visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye (determined by a Snellen Chart), a visual field limited to 20 degrees or less, or an individual who is receiving services from a school for the blind and/or recognized institute. This includes those who function at the definition of blindness (FDB), listed above, due to brain injury or dysfunction.
Judging Categories
Artists can enter one original artwork per year, either as an adult artist or as a grade school student, in the following categories:
- Preschool / Kindergarten students
- Grades 1, 2, 3
- Grades 4, 5, 6
- Grades 7, 8, 9
- Grades 10, 11, 12
- Ungraded students (students not working at their grade level or students with multiple disabilities)
- Adult Craft
- Adult Sculpture
- Adult 2-Dimensional Art
Works will be selected on the basis of originality of concept, expressive use of media, and artistic excellence. The artwork must be created by the artist with minimal assistance from anyone else.
Submission Guidelines
Artworks in any visual art medium may be submitted. The work may be two-dimensional (including, but not limited to, painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, mixed media, and collage) or three-dimensional (sculptures created from wood, stone, paper, clay, or a mixture of materials). Crafts such as weaving, woodwork, pottery, beading, or finished fashion apparel, are also welcome. All work must be original and handmade, not constructed from a kit. Only one artwork may be entered in this competition.
Enter the Competition
Be on the lookout for the 2024 Entry Forms!
About APH
Learn about the amazing place, breaking barriers, and enhancing the lives of our families and friends with vision loss at the About APH page.