Project Summary
In response to the exhibit, Shape of the Sound: A Piece of Mind, in Nishinasuno Japan, July 2001, The Missouri Project was proposed to FIZA, as a way to introduce the project to the St. Louis community. Fiber-Zero Association is a non-profit fiber arts group that is dedicated to making the arts accessible through programs such as Shape of the Sound: A Piece of Mind. An interactive arts experience that brought participants of all abilities together to create objects with an emphasis on sound, Shape of the Sound: A Piece of Mind exhibited objects intended to be handled and heard. The Missouri Project set out to expand the community by inviting local schools to participate directly with international and local artists to make a series of pieces for a group exhibit at the end of the week long workshop. With over 100 Project participants the exhibit was brimming with diverse works.

The Missouri Project was completed through the collaboration of six participating artists with students from the Missouri School for the Blind, Lift for Life Academy and many local home school families. The general public was invited to participate, but did so on a limited basis. Volunteers also participated in pivotal roles. Artists facilitated the creation of one-of-a-kind art objects that incorporate sound and texture. The objects created in the workshop were intended to promote an understanding of how people with different abilities experience the arts. Those who were unable to attend the workshop were able to participate through the internet. Website participants submitted sounds on-line to be incorporated into the art objects and were able to listen to the sounds we generated in the workshop.

The workshop and exhibit took place at Mad Art Gallery in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. The Missouri Project workshop took place from May 13-17. The exhibit continued through the weekend of May 18 &19, 2002.

Program Goals and Objectives
To foster collaboration between artists, visually impaired people, and the local community while promoting international exchange, through the art making process. To promote fiber art while creating interactive art pieces that incorporate multiple senses.

To help realize these goals The Missouri Project worked toward achieving the following objectives:
a) To give art making accessibility by using recycled/natural materials.
b) To introduce individuals to the arts and to other community members by encouraging diversity among community participants.
c) To promote collaboration among artists and the public by creating a comfortable environment for art making.
d) To create an environment that promotes interactive art.
e) To use computer technology to overcome the physical barrier, by allowing people who are unable to attend the workshop in person to participate by computer.