Created by Arts for Learning (A4L) in celebration of their 15th Anniversary; the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs (DoCA), in celebration of the 10th Anniversary of All Kids Included – Accessible Arts Experiences for Kids (AKI); and O, Miami in celebration of their 5th Anniversary
In Miami, po
etry can be shared in many languages: English, Spanish, Creole, Russian, and Chinese, to name a few. However, one language is often overlooked: American Sign Language (ASL), a language of gestures for people who are hearing impaired. Poetic Gestures shared the beauty of this language with the general public and celebrated the anniversaries of its participating organizations.
On Saturdays in April, John Paul Jebian, co-founder of Waving Hands, and students of ASL taught participants at three AKI sites to sign “Happy Birthday” and a short poem. The AKI initiative creates inclusive cultural programs for kids of all abilities to participate fully in the arts. A4L, Miami’s leading arts education organization, partners with the DoCA to provide inclusive arts activities at AKI sites.
Images of Poetic Gestures at Camp Matecumbe on Saturday, April 16, 2016
All Photos ©GESI SCHILLING