Kelsey Shoemaker
Lighthouse for the Blind of Fort Worth will celebrate its one-of-a-kind interactive mural by Kristen Soble with a dedication at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday.
The mural, titled “Where Independence Begins,” is 2,000 square feet and features high-contrast images and colors, multiple tactile elements, Braille messages, and audio devices. Visitors can also access a QR code that will navigate them to a companion website for a more in-depth experience.
“I felt a huge responsibility with this mural,” says Soble, whom Fort Worth Magazine named Fort Worth's best muralist two years in a row. “There was just this feeling that it had to be really great. My work is intended to spark creativity and joy, so I wanted to carry that into this mural.”
The mural, at 912 W. Broadway Ave., includes textiles to differentiate sections for low-vision users to pick up on texture and details, stainless-steel railings with Braille messages, and six audio devices, all donated by by Consolidated Traffic Controls Inc. Construction was by Basecom Inc.
“It is an honor to be part of a project that beautifies Fort Worth but also educates and stimulates conversation amongst our great citizens,” says David Walker, president of Consolidated Traffic Controls.
For this year's North Texas Giving Day, Lighthouse for the Blind will expand the concept to other building walls.
At the dedication on Wednesday, Mama Lama Sweets will be on hand, serving coffee and light fare.
912 W Broadway Ave.
