In a world where art galleries often come with “do not touch” signs, one artist is breaking boundaries and inviting visitors to engage with her creations in a whole new way. Lydia Hansen’s Sensory Sculpture Garden is reimagining how we interact with art, making it more accessible and engaging for everyone, including those with visual impairments or sensory-processing differences.
The heart of this project lies in its five-part soft sculpture series. Each piece is a highly textured crochet creation, meticulously crafted to engage not just the eyes but also the sense of touch. Lydia spent six months at the beginning of 2023 bringing these unique sculptures to life, experimenting with various textures, shapes, sizes, and even color arrangements to create distinct patterns within each piece.
What sets this exhibition apart is its invitation to touch. Visitors are encouraged to explore the sculptures with their hands, feeling the intricate textures and experiencing the art in a more immersive way. This approach opens up new possibilities for art appreciation, especially for those who might find traditional visual art experiences challenging or less engaging.
The project’s impact extends beyond the final exhibition. During the creation process, Lydia collaborated with individuals from the ArtAbilities program at PossAbilities in Rochester, MN, and conducted pop-up workshops near Wykoff, MN. These collaborations allowed people of all ages to contribute textures to one of the sculptures, providing early validation for the concept and generating excitement about the project.
Lydia’s efforts were supported by a SEMAC Individual Artist Grant that allowed for dedicated creative time and necessary materials. This financial freedom resulted in Lydia’s first solo exhibition and has since opened doors to other opportunities, including an upcoming exhibition at Pump House Arts in La Crosse, WI, September 11 through November 2, 2024.
The Sensory Sculpture Garden has struck a chord with many visitors. One particularly poignant comment captured the essence of the project: “This scratches the itch in my neurodivergent brain – there should be more art like this!!” Another visitor expressed their engagement by saying, “I just want to hug it! Every time I look at it, there’s something new I need to feel.” These reactions underscore the project’s success in creating art that resonates on a deeper, more personal level with its audience.
The sculpture garden continues to grow and evolve. Lydia has plans to add new sculptures, exploring additional sensory ideas. The project has taken on a life of its own as a traveling, rotating art experience, with pop-up exhibitions showcasing various combinations of sculptures.
In addition to the ongoing development of the Sensory Sculpture Garden, the artist has embarked on a new project: The Lost Creek Fungi Hunt. This yearlong public art installation near Chatfield, MN, features 15 crochet mushrooms based on fungi native to Southeast Minnesota, placed along a trail to encourage exploration and observation.
As these projects continue to develop and reach new audiences, they serve as a testament to the power of art that engages multiple senses and invites active participation. The Sensory Sculpture Garden and its offshoots are not just exhibitions; they’re experiences that challenge our perceptions of art and accessibility, inviting us all to see – and feel – the world in new ways.
To follow Lydia Hansen and her continued efforts, find her on Instagram @amigurumihorde or visit her website https://www.amigurumihorde.com/.
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