National Exhibits by Blind Artists, Inc., is a Philadelphia-based nonprofit organization dedicated to showing the work of blind artists.

National Exhibits by Blind Artists, was founded in Philadelphia in the belief that talented blind artists deserve the same recognition as writers, musicians and other sighted artists. The primary objectives are to educate the public with the quality of work by blind artists, and to create a demand in the professional field of art, furthering the careers of blind artists and making them part of the mainstream of life.

Several blind artist who frequented Philadelphia's Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. enlisted the help of Michael Coyle, library director, who organized a pilot show in the summer of 1975. The show at the Library was a great success, and many works of art were sold. Encouraged by their success, it was decided to build upon the foundation of this show.

And in 1976, under the leadership of Mrs. Hester Pepper, the founding president, and Michael Coyle, National Exhibits by Blind Artists was incorporated. With the support of the University Museum of the University of Pennsylvania, the first show was assembled and presented in both the Museum's Nevil Gallery and the Library for the Blind. This exhibition, created as a Bicentennial Project, was visited by nearly sixty thousand people. The newly established enterprise was provided an officiat the University Museum where two subsequent exhibits in 1977 and 1978 were mounted, again rotating the artwork with the Library for the Blind. The exhibits met with enthusiastic public support.

Since its founding, many exhibitions of outstanding works of art have been presented in prominent museums and galleries in the United States and abroad.

This pioneer concept -- art by the blind -- has produced an enlightened forum for developing projects with similar intent. With its 25 year history of major shows, National Exhibits of Blind Artists has blazed the trail, winning wide recognition in the art-world with its promise to continue carrying its message of bright, new prospects for the blind artist.

Focus on Art and Vision

Art Beyond Sight
National Exhibits by Blind Artists presents the 1999-2000 exhibition of work by artists who are legally blind. For over twenty-five years NEBA has offered the public the opportunity to view not only intriguing works of work, but works of the human spirit as well. Blind artists bring to their work a unique interpretation of the world.

Carol Wisker, Coordinator, Special Audiences of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and a member of the Board of National Exhibits by Blind Artists, Inc. is the curator for the exhibit. Her creative talents designed and balanced this presentation to highlight each art form.