Deaf Expressive Arts Festival showcases literary forms and art

American Sign Language students from Casper College, Kelly Walsh High School, and Dean Morgan Middle School, as well as local Deaf community members, will showcase a variety of ASL literary forms and student-created art on Friday, Nov. 14, in the Wheeler Concert Hall from 6-8 p.m.

The Deaf Expressive Arts Festival, or D.E.A.F., celebrates the creativity and expression of ASL students as they share their personal stories through American Sign Language. The festival, now in its ninth year, provides a unique opportunity for the audience to experience the beauty, rhythm, and depth of ASL and Deaf Culture on stage, according to ASL instructor Harvey Nathanson.

Local deaf community members and students will perform traditional ASL ABC, number and classifier stories, percussion signing, and folklore stories. “The event aims to build bridges between Deaf and hearing communities, promote cultural understanding, and inspire others to learn and value ASL as part of our shared human diversity,” said Nathanson.

Through the festival, Nathanson hopes to “ … build bridges between Deaf and hearing communities, promote cultural understanding, and inspire others to learn and value ASL as part of our shared human diversity.”

Those attending — community members, students, educators, etc. — will gain a deeper appreciation for Deaf identity, storytelling, and visual language artistry. The performances highlight how ASL is not only a means of communication but also a rich cultural and artistic expression,” noted Nathanson.

The Deaf Expressive Art Festival is free and open to the public, and interpreters will be provided for all hearing guests.

The Wheeler Concert Hall is located in the Music Building on the Casper College campus.

For more information about the festival or the American Sign Language Studies degree offered at Casper College, contact Nathanson at 307-268-2588 or harvey.nathanson@caspercollege.edu.

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