A person explores an immersive installation of hanging bright pink threads, holding a white cane as they move through the artwork.

Shan Michaels: Artist Talk & Family Workshop

Hear directly from the artist and more learn about the exhibiton and their practice, followed by Braille and craft activities.

Join us for an Artist Talk with Shan Michaels, followed by a family workshop with Braille machine and craft activities. The event is designed for all visitors – sighted and BLV (Blind and Low Vision).

Presented as part of Can Touch This, the program offers an opportunity to hear from Michaels about the development of the exhibition and its collaborative approach to making.

First presented at ACE in Adelaide, Can Touch This is a tactile installation developed with and for the blind and low vision community.

Following the artist talk, visitors are invited to stay for our family workshop. You can try your hand at Braille using Perkins braillers, with Braille expert Issy Stanfield on hand to assist. Create your name or a short message in Braille, then turn it into a fabulous pink rosette badge to wear home!

Dates & Times
Saturday, 21 November 12:00pm AEST.

Artist Talk From 12:00pm
Craft and Braille activities until 3:00pm

Price
This is a FREE event, no tickets required, but RSVP appreciated.

Location
The Artist Talk and craft events will take place in the Metro Arts Gallery One located at 97 Boundary Street, West Village, West End, QLD 4101.

RSVP HERE

This Artist Talk is part of the Shan Michaels: Can Touch This exhibition which is on view in Gallery One from 19 November to 19 December 2026. Additional information and gallery hours can be found on the exhibition page.

Access & Accessibility

Details on how to find Metro Arts can be found on our Visiting Us webpage.

There are also details on access and inclusion which you can find on our ‘Access & Inclusion’ webpage.

Metro Arts is a participating venue with the Cérge Companion app.

The Cerge app is free assistive technology for individuals with disability, support workers, carers and parents. Learn more about the Cérge app.

Patrons can use the Cérge App to notify Metro Arts of specific service preferences ahead of your arrival, and allow us to best support you while visiting our venue.

Our access page also includes a Visual Story, Sensory Guide and Audio. The Visual Story allows you to read about and see the different locations you may experience during your visit to Metro Arts. The Sensory Guide provides details regarding sensory experiences at these locations, including what you may see, smell, hear and feel.

You can find an Audio Guide available describing the venues accessible features from your point of arrival, venue entry and navigating throughout Metro Arts. This includes details on amenities such as bathrooms.

Metro Arts welcomes Guide Dogs and Service Animals. Water bowls will be available on site as well.

Acknowledgements

Can Touch This by Shan Michaels is a collaboration between Metro Arts and Adelaide Contemporary Experimental (ACE).

This project is supported by the 2026 Brisbane Airport Community Giving Fund.

Metro Arts’ 2026 program is supported by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its funding and advisory body. Metro Arts is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and the Visual Art, Craft and Design Framework, an initiative of the Australian, state and territory governments.

Image credits:
Can Touch This (2025), participant wrapped in soft pink tube, Adelaide Contemporary Experimental. Photography by Andre Castellucci.
Shan Michaels Headshot photo by Embellysh.
ACE logo

Contact

Shan Michaels: Artist Talk & Family Workshop

This Artist Talk is part of the Shan Michaels: Can Touch This exhibition which is on view in Gallery One from 19 November to 19 December 2026. Additional information and gallery hours can be found on the exhibition page.

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