Artwork copyright Howard Barlow. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Howard Barlow. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2023.

Artwork copyright Howard Barlow. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2023.

Shucks #2, 2022

Howard Barlow
(American, born 1974)

Location: Washington State School for the Blind, Vancouver

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

This artwork is part of a curated collection by Gregg Schlanger in October 2023 for the Washington State School for the Blind in Vancouver. The local Art Selection Committee wanted artworks that anyone can approach and fully experience and understand via more than just sight. Gregg Schlanger selected artworks that are comfortable in the hand and have a tactile experience. This artwork is meant to be touched.

Artworks are installed by the doors to the eight residence rooms and the residence assistance room at the Life Skills for Today and Tomorrow (LIFTT) Residence. They are wayfinders. Before street numbers, buildings were identified with low relief tiles. Schlanger hopes that the residence rooms will become known by the artworks, such as the Oyster Room. The LIFTT Residence houses students working on a vocational goal and adult independence. Residents have varied experiences of sight loss and levels of comfort. The LIFTT program is a hugely empowering step for young adults with blindness.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Washington State School for the Blind.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Howard Barlow is a senior lecturer in 3-D Arts at Central Washington University in Ellensburg and has been teaching in the art department since 2001. He was also an instructor of art at Columbia Basin College in Pasco, Southeastern Washington, from 2004 though 2017. Barlow received his Master of Fine Art degree in sculpture from Central Washington University in 2000. He has exhibited art at the Bellevue Art Museum, Museum of Northwest Art, Whatcom Art Museum, Frye Art Museum, Bumbershoot, as well as nationally. Barlow creates art independently but also frequently collaborates with his artist wife, Lorraine Barlow.