Red green colorblind art lovers and color enthusiasts! Have you ever imagined experiencing art in a colorful new way? The Wiregrass Museum of Art (WMA) in Dothan, Alabama, has teamed up with EnChroma, the innovative minds behind glasses for the red green colorblind, to turn this into reality for most of those with the two most common types of colorblindness!
WMA is now the third museum in Alabama offering EnChroma glasses to visitors who are red green colorblind, allowing most of them to experience the museum's exhibits in vibrant, fuller color. Imagine seeing certain colors you've struggled all your life to distinguish – it's like rediscovering your favorite artwork all over again!
"One of WMA's strategic goals is to make our collection more accessible to the public, and we're one step closer to that with this initiative. We're committed to reducing barriers to access across all of our work at the museum, and are excited to offer members of the public who experience color blindness a more colorful art museum experience," said Dana-Marie Lemmer, executive director at Wiregrass Museum of Art. Click here to see more images of the WMA’s artwork as they appear to the red-green color blind.
How do colorblind people see? Color vision deficiency (CVD) is more common than you might think. It affects one in 12 men and one in 200 women and can make certain colors containing red or green appear dull or indistinguishable. In fact, color blind people only see an estimated 10% of the over one million hues and shades seen by those with normal color vision. To them, red looks brown, blue looks purple, pink seems gray and green can look tan, yellow or gray.
Why is this important? That means a significant number of people are missing out on the full beauty of art that many of us take for granted. But thanks to EnChroma glasses this is no longer the case for many people with one of two types of color blindness: those who are deutan color blind or who have protan color blindness. Three local color blind Alabamians recently were the first to try out the glasses at WMA just recently!
How do colorblind glasses work? EnChroma glasses work by enhancing color discrimination, making colors appear more vibrant, clear, and distinct. Though they're not a cure for the red green colorblind, they can provide a remarkable new way to experience the world of color for the 80% for whom they work.
To benefit from EnChroma glasses, you must be either deutan color blind or have protan color blindness. EnChroma glasses do not and cannot physically alter the cones in the eye; they manipulate the light entering the eye. Therefore, if any of your “color cones” aren’t functioning or present the glasses won’t help.
Joining a Global Movement: WMA isn't alone in its quest to make art more “color accessible.” It joins museums worldwide in loaning EnChroma glasses to visitors. EnChroma helps students in schools and universities, visitors to parks and museums, and library patrons, overcome obstacles and experience colors in new ways through its glasses.
Experience it for Yourself: Whether you are deutan color blind or have protan color blindness, visiting WMA with EnChroma glasses is an experience you won't want to miss. It's not just about seeing art differently; it's about connecting with it on a whole new level.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into a world where every color shines brighter and every artwork tells a deeper story. Visit the Wiregrass Museum of Art and see the world in a colorful new light!
And remember, this is more than just an art experience; it's a journey into the vibrant world of color. Let's celebrate inclusivity, innovation, and the joy of seeing in enhanced color. See you at the museum!