ASL Lit Performances 
10:30–11 a.m. | 1:30–2 p.m.
Atkins Auditorium, Nelson-Atkins Building  

Students from the Kansas School for the Deaf perform poetry and stories in American Sign Language.

Visual Vernacular workshop
11:15 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
Atkins Auditorium, Nelson-Atkins Building  

Join Lisa McBee for an immersive journey into the world of Visual Vernacular (VV), using handshapes to create powerful narratives without words or dialogue. 

ASL Storytelling 
11:30 am–12 p.m. | 1–1:30 p.m.
Kirkwood Hall, Nelson-Atkins Building  

Michelle Plummer and Marie Qualls deliver enchanting stories in ASL for families of all ages. Whether you’re fluent in sign language or experiencing it for the first time, the universal language of storytelling transcends words, inviting all to connect on a deeper level.

Visual Vernacular performance
2:30–3:30 p.m.
Atkins Auditorium, Nelson-Atkins Building   

Witness the magic of Visual Vernacular, a mesmerizing art form that combines 3D visuals and imaginative narratives to create ASL storytelling like you’ve never seen before.

Painting Workshop with Daniel Perez 
10:30 a.m.–11:45 p.m.
Rockhill Room, Bloch Building 

Join artist Daniel Perez for an engaging acrylic painting workshop. Participants will receive a pre-sketched canvas and paint along with Daniel, creating their own masterpiece. This session is perfect for all skill levels and promises a fun, creative experience.
Note: This workshop is first-come, first-served and limited to 40 participants. 

Comic Panel Workshop with Daniel Perez
2:30–3:45 p.m.
Rockhill Room, Bloch Building  

Unleash your creativity in Daniel Perez’s 4-Panel Comic Workshop. Learn to design and draw your own comic under Daniel’s expert guidance. This hands-on session encourages personal storytelling, artistic expression, and is perfect for budding artists and comic enthusiasts. 

Note: This workshop is first-come, first-served and limited to 40 participants.

ASL Art Walk 
11–11:30 a.m | 2–2:30 p.m.
Meet in Bloch Lobby, proceed to galleries L10-11 

Follow Deaf Educator Micki Keck to the photography galleries, where participants will discuss and learn about the new exhibition Still Performing: Costume, Gesture, and Expression in 19th Century European Photography.
Note: This Art Walk is first-come, first-served and limited to 15 spots per tour.

ASL-themed coloring activity 
10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Kirkwood Hall, Nelson-Atkins Building  

Let your creativity shine, connect with others, and relax in Kirkwood Hall while coloring Daniel Perez’s incredible illustrations in celebration of Deaf Culture.

Visual Voices: The Art of d/Deaf Creators in the Collection 
10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Spencer Art Reference Library, Bloch Building  

This library display showcases five artists featured in the Nelson-Atkins collection, highlighting their unique perspectives and profound impact on the art world over two centuries. The display also highlights artists Granville Redmond, Chuck Baird, and Christine Sun Kim, who challenge perceptions and enrich understanding of the Deaf experience. Visit the Museum of Deaf History, Arts, and Culture to learn more about Deaf View/Image Art (also known as De’VIA art). 

Resource Booths 
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sculpture Hall, Nelson-Atkins Building  

Visit with our community partners — The Whole Person, Kansas School for the Deaf, and the Museum of Deaf History, Arts & Culture — and learn about available local resources from the Kansas and Missouri Commissions for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and DeafLEAD.

SELF GUIDED ASL TOURS 

Use the free mobile app Smartify to enjoy a self-guided museum tour presented in American Sign Language.

FREE FESTIVAL PIN FOR NELSON-ATKINS MEMBERS | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.    

If you’re a member, stop by the info desk in Bloch Lobby to claim your free Deaf Cultural Festival enamel pin. To collect your pin, present your member ID card or digital membership receipt. If you’re not a member, join online or visit the Info Desk in Bloch Lobby to learn more about membership opportunities.   

Know our three rules   
To ensure the safety and preservation of the art, we ask all Nelson-Atkins visitors to follow three primary rules when they come to the museum:    

• Stay at least two feet from the art. Please do not touch, lean on, or sit on the art, including outdoor sculptures and the reflecting pool.     

• No backpacks in the galleries. We offer free coat and bag check in the Bloch Building lobby. Alternatively, carry your bag or wear it on one shoulder or the front of your body.   

• No food or drink in the galleries. Guests are permitted to eat outdoors and in designated indoor dining areas.  

Thank you to our museum volunteers and members — the Art & Soul of the museum — whose support makes festivals like this possible. To learn more, visit the Info Desk in Bloch Lobby or ArtAndSoulKC.org.       

A special thank you to our community partners:  

The Kansas School for the Deaf
The Whole Person 
Museum of Deaf History, Arts & Culture