“Creating these pieces alongside other women who are blind or have low vision was a powerful experience,” said Abby Lautin, featured artist and Envision Dallas Development Manager. “It had been a long time since I had been surrounded by peers who understood my perspective. The conversations and laughter we shared brought back a deep sense of belonging and community I had not realized I was missing.
“I especially felt that connection when I opened my cane. Usually people assume I dropped something, but instead one of the ladies simply asked, ‘Oh, are you leaving?’ That moment reminded me I was among people who understood.”
At Envision, it’s not just about awareness. It is about connection that changes lives. That mission came to life when Envision Arts partnered with Roots Southern Table and T2D Concepts to present an exhibit featuring original artwork created by blind or visually impaired (BVI) women employees at Envision. The exhibit wasn’t just a display of creativity, it was proof that when employment, artistry, and opportunity intersect, new possibilities open for both employees and the community. The idea took shape over dinner. While visiting Dallas, Envision Arts Director Sarah Kephart stopped for a meal at Southern Roots Table. Known for its showcasing of marginalized artists and mission-driven programming, the restaurant quickly felt like a natural fit for Envision’s work. A conversation with staff turned into an invitation, and eventually, a full exhibition.
Kephart returned to Dallas with a vision for a new Envision Arts workshop called Layered Roots. The title paid tribute to the restaurant itself and to the identities of the women who would be creating the work. Each canvas was layered with memories, affirmations and elements of personal meaning. All participating artists were BVI women employed at Envision Dallas, a reflection of how employment at Envision is not only about a paycheck but also about opening doors to expression and confidence. Some had never touched a paintbrush before, but all came into the workshop with stories to share. Using mixed media techniques adapted for BVI creators, including paint, texture and grout, each woman created a piece that reflected her life journey from childhood to present day.
As the workshop unfolded over multiple sessions, a strong sense of connection emerged among the artists. Many had never interacted outside of work. By the end, they were not just colleagues but a community, exchanging phone numbers, celebrating each other’s breakthroughs and carrying their stories forward. Kephart described the transformation as both emotional and affirming, watching each woman realize that creativity and resilience were already within them—Envision simply provided the space for it to shine.
“This is one of the most beautiful things we do at Envision, connecting with our community and finding creative partners who help us share our mission in unexpected ways,” said Kephart.
This partnership marks a milestone for Envision’s growing presence in the Dallas, Texas community and represents a wider shift in how and where BVI artists can be seen.
By working with values-aligned partners like Roots Southern Table and T2D Concepts, Envision is breaking down barriers and expanding representation in places that are welcoming, vibrant and rooted in community. Most importantly, it demonstrates why employment at Envision matters: it provides not only income, but also opportunity, identity, and belonging that ripple far beyond the workplace.
