(UNION TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites resident with disabilities and special needs ages 16 and up to attend a reserved viewing of Sight Unseen, an international exhibit of artwork by blind photographers, in partnership with the Kean University Human Rights Institute on Friday, March 24, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.

Participation is free of charge but registration in advance is required. To register, visit Union County’s secure online registration page at https://secure.rec1.com/NJ/union-county-nj. Please note that space is limited.

“Sight Unseen is an incredible event that will really get the attention of all of those who attend, especially our residents with disabilities and special needs, for whom Kean University is providing a viewing on the evening of the 24th,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “This special viewing will help empower these members of the Union County community to know that anyone can be creative, no matter what the disability may be. Art is expressive. It impacts our imagination and perception as we see the artist’s overall sense of their own innovative process. I would like to thank Kean University for working with Union County’s vision of inclusiveness to extend this invitation.”

"This exhibition of fascinating photographs, made all the more incredible by the fact that they were taken by blind photographers, aligns with Kean's focus on accessibility, equity and inclusion," said Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed. D. "Kean is proud to present a reserved viewing of photos that challenge us to broaden our perspectives and see art in a new light."

“The photographers featured in Sight Unseen remind viewers that it's not about sight, it's about vision. An inclusive world is a better world. The Galleries are honored to partner with the Union County Office of Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs to connect the community to impactful art,” said Lynette Zimmerman, the Executive Director of Galleries at Kean University.

The exhibit is taking place until Friday, April 14 at the Human Rights Institute Gallery, located at the Human Rights Institute at the Kean University Campus, 1000 Morris Avenue in Union Township. Parking is available in the Visitor’s Lot next to Kean Hall.

Information about visiting hours for the general public is available from the Human Rights Institute at kean.edu/offices.

The reserved viewing of Sight Unseen is a program of the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, under the Division of Individual and Family Support Services of the Union County Department of Human Services. The Office hosts seasonal events and recreational activities throughout the year. To register for all activities, visit ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

For more information about activities and support services offered through the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs visit ucnj.org/special-needs. To contact the office, use the online form at ucnj.org/special-needs, or call 908-527-4807 or 908-527-4781.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.