Living with Low Vision Seminar

Try out the latest gadgets that can help people living with low vision and explore presentations on topics related to living with visual disabilities including a tactile, multi-sensory art exhibit. Light refreshments will be available. To RSVP, please contact the Braille & Talking Books Library at 305-751-8687 or email TalkingBooks@mdpls.org. Ages 19 yrs.+

Artist Biographies: 

Yvette Cotera’s island roots from Cuba, Key Largo and the Canary Islands, continue to inspire her paintings, which encourages protection of the coral reefs, sea life, coastal birds, and Florida Everglades. Ms. Cotera acquired a bachelor’s degree certification in K-12 Special Education and Art. Presently she paints and teaches from her home studio, member of the philanthropist Ladies of Deering, Miami Watercolor Society exhibition chair, and past workshop chair for the Art Guild of the Purple Isles in the Florida Keys, where she displays her paintings year-round.

Raised in Venezuela, South America, Mariela Estevez is a wife, mother, grandmother, and a visual artist with low vision. She creates mixed media art, incorporating acrylics, metals, textiles, and glass to express her thoughts and emotions. When living in Key Largo, she created “CreArtive” summer camp art programs, making accommodations for children with special needs, teaching at The Art Box, and at her own art studio: Imagination Wonderland on MM96. As a member of the Art Guild of the Purple Isles in the Florida Keys, Mariela has won numerous juried awards and people’s choice awards. Her art has exhibited at the History of Diving Museum, Sotheby’s International Russel Gallery, Florida Keys History & Discovery Center, Mariner’s Hospital, libraries, newspapers, and private collections. Mariela hopes to leave a positive creative mark and awareness of nature, through her teaching and art works.

Ms. Leslie Mitchell McKinley is a practicing artist and retired art educator residing and working in Palmetto Bay. A fourth generation Floridian and native of Miami, she cares deeply about capturing the beauty of our natural surroundings, as well as addressing contemporary social issues in her artwork. She taught for 25 years in the Southwood Middle School Magnet/Talent Program. Her work has been exhibited both locally and nationally and is held in private collections. McKinley’s artwork includes both representational and abstract imagery. As the mother of a daughter who is blind, she has recently been creating pieces which can be tactually experienced by blind and low vision individuals. These incorporate recycled materials such as antique fabric and fibers from used rugs. Her hope is that the art experience can be made accessible and inclusive for a wide range of participants.

Partners include: The Miami Lighthouse, The Division of Blind Services, Lions Club-District 35, and the Alliance for Aging.

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