A Tribute to Michael Coyle

Michael Coyle: the energetic, practical and persistently innovative source behind the development and growth of National Exhibits by Blind Artists .

As head of the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, in the summer of 1975, Michael put together an exhibition of art by legally blind artists - patrons of the Philadelphia based Library seeking a public forum to display their work. The exhibit was well received in the local area, but Michael had greater dreams.

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Through his enthusiasm and strong believe in the value of this innovation, and  the talent of blind people across the country creating works in a number of mediums, Michael engaged Hester Pepper and a dedicated team of supporters, to create NEBA: National Exhibits by Blind Artists.
 
In 1976, the year of the Bicentennial Celebration, strong support and “a series of miracles” lead to the first NEBA Exhibit at the University Museum in Philadelphia.

The next exhibit was hosted by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the New York, and from there the extremely viable and highly appreciated juried exhibits moved rapidly across the country, and as far as Japan. Michael even championed the development of the NEBA website moving the exhibits to cyberspace, and willingly shared the idea, encouraging others to create a wide variety of venues for exhibits of art by blind artists now available across our country.
 
NEBA has had many enthusiastic supporters over the years, but all know that Michael was the core; the center; the custodian of the finances, and keeper of the concept. NEBA would never have existed without you Michael. Your legacy remains in our works, in our world, and in our hearts.
 
Michael Coyle passed away in 2008.  May he Rest in Peace.