Somatosensory Tactile Art Exhibit

“You can look, but don’t touch” are words you can completely disregard when you visit LAMP to experience the annual Somatosensory Tactile Art Exhibit done in collaboration with the Pittsburgh Society of Sculptors. Unlike art displayed in museums and other exhibits, the sculptures on display at LAMP are created with the intention of being touched and explored with your hands. Another unique feature to this multisensory exhibit is the artist’s recorded statement you can listen to while you experience each sculpture. You can listen and learn the processes the artist used to create the piece as well as the source of inspiration.

The 2023 Somatosensory Exhibit featured 19 sculptures selected by a panel of jurors from LAMP’s Advocacy and Advisory Group. The opening reception was held on November 1 from 4:30-6:30 pm at LAMP’s Pittsburgh location and over 100 people showed up to enjoy the event. In addition to the pieces of art contributed by the Pittsburgh Society of Sculptors, we featured tactile creations like 3D prints and swell form that LAMP employees make for library programs such as Book Club and Audio Described Movie afternoons. Many others visited the library throughout the month of November to find out what the hype was all about.

LAMP has hosted Somatosensory for many years now, so it is encouraging to hear several of the artists share that this is one of their favorite exhibits for which to create art. They say it gives them the opportunity to think about what they want to create in a different way since it will be experienced in a unique way.

Somatosensory ended on November 24, so if you missed out on it this year, be sure to check it out next year! For a little taste of what you missed, check out our Facebook and/or Instagram pages for short videos and photos of everything from the jurying process to the opening reception including interviews from staff and patrons.