ArtVentures at the Nasher: Photo Story

By Evan Watson
ArtVentures @ Nasher. background is a detail of abstract colorful mural
Detail of Odili Donald Odita's Shadow and Light (For Julian Francis Abele) in the Nasher's Great Hall

On Sunday, March 9, 2025, the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development collaborated with Duke University's Nasher Museum of Art to host a sensory friendly event for local families. Kids enjoyed making crafts and tours of the galleries led by Nasher staff, all in a structured, small-group setting.

group walks through an art gallery with a guide
Small groups enter through the Nasher's Great Hall.
📷 E Watson
group of children looks at a work in the Nasher
Tour guide Liz speaks to the group in front of Fahamu Pecou's "Nunna My Heros." Click the image for more about this piece.
📷 J Caldwell
adult and child work on a craft
Families crafted super hero badges inspired by "Nunna My Heros."
📷 E Watson
adult and child smile at each other
📷 E Watson

I was grateful to have a structured environment where I could feel comfortable bringing Evie out to experience what we have here in Durham. We knew what to expect because of the social story, and that makes it possible.

- Dina Claudia Gerber, mom

child holds up a craft they have made
📷 J Caldwell
David Akinsooto carrying a child
Staff member David Akinsooto carries a child through the galleries. This photo was featured in the March 17 issue of Duke Today and on Duke Views, a weekly series of photos representing community life at Duke University.
📷 E Watson
tour guide speaks to a group in a gallery
Tour guide Brent Curtis teaches the group about the textiles and ceramic arts of the Andes in South America. Click the image for more about the art in this room.
📷 J Caldwell

I love teaching kids this age. They share what they think. They bring fresh ideas. I learn from them as much as they learn from me. With little kids, especially those with challenges, people might think "what do they bring to the table?" The answer is... a lot.

- Brent Curtis, Nasher tour guide

adult and child work on a craft
Kids made yarn crafts inspired by the ancient South American textile arts on display.
📷 J Caldwell
close-up of craft supplies with people in the background
📷 E Watson
group views objects in the art gallery
Families explore the medieval and ancient world galleries between activities. Click the image for more about this gallery.
📷 E Watson
Adult and child work on a craft project
📷 J Caldwell
group of about 30 people in the Nasher museum lobby
About 30 kids and their families participated in the crafts and gallery tours.
📷 E Watson
child holds up a craft they have made
📷 E Watson
Alana Dea
Alana Dea, Clinical Research Specialist Sr at the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development chaired the committee to coordinate this special event.
📷 E Watson

Thanks to all the Nasher museum staff and volunteers who made this event possible!

Due to limited space, and to maintain a sensory-friendly, structured small group setting, only a limited number of families were invited to participate. To find out about limited-invitation events, sign up for our Autism Research Registry and Connections Newsletter.

group walks through an arch in the art gallery

Share