CVI Project Production Information
I'm creating a new art piece for the Children’s Home of Pittsburgh, and I’d love your help.
This project is an immersive short film that explores Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) and what it might feel like to move through the world when seeing isn’t easy.
We’re filming a scene this coming Saturday on the Northside, just off East Ohio Street, and we need people of all ages to join us. You can take part in either shoot; you don’t have to be available for both.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) is a visual impairment caused by the brain. Someone with CVI might be able to use their eyes, but their brain has trouble processing and making sense of what they see, connecting it to meaning, memory, and perception.
I was introduced to Dr. Christine Roman through the Children’s Home last year, and we connected around a principle that is central to both of our work: teaching people to see.
As a photography teacher, I encourage students to go beyond just glancing or looking. I want them to see more deeply—notice light, patterns, relationships, details, and meaning, and then express those discoveries through their photos.
Christine’s work with children who have CVI gave me a whole new way to think about seeing and perception. The more I’ve learned from practitioners, teachers, families, and people living with CVI, the more I’ve wanted to create an artistic experience about it.
We’re not trying to show exactly what someone with CVI sees. Instead, we want to create a visual and sound experience that helps people start to understand what seeing with CVI might feel like.
You can learn more about CVI and the Pediatric VIEW Program at the Children’s Home here:
https://www.childrenshomepgh.org/our-services/pediatric-view-program/about-cvi/
OUR TEAM
I’m creating the piece with two recent Point Park University graduates:
Mireya Rojas — animator and illustrator, 2026 graduate of the Cinema and Animation program in the Conservatory of Performing Arts.
Tanner Knapp — photographer and video creator, 2026 BFA Photography graduate from the School of Communication.
Together, we’ve been researching, talking with practitioners, teachers, and students with CVI, and looking through published and online resources. We know there’s still a lot to learn, but we have a plan, a deadline, and we’re moving forward.
SHOOT #2 — THE ART GALLERY
Saturday, October 3
Approximately 2:30–4:00 PM
Artist Image Resource
518 Foreland Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Google Maps:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/PygGjseRUzdFZaxbA
For our second scene, we’ll turn part of the Artist Image Resource gallery into a museum-like space.
We’re looking for a diverse group of people of all ages to visit our gallery.
Imagine spending an afternoon at a museum. You’ll walk through the gallery, look at paintings, cross in front of the camera, gather in small groups, and move around the space in different ways.
What to Wear
Dress as you might for an afternoon visiting a museum or gallery.
Jackets, dresses, unique shirts or pants, hats, necklaces, and other accessories are all welcome.
Again: NO prominent graphic logos.
Bags, backpacks, and other everyday items are useful. A stroller could also help with the scene.
A FEW IMPORTANT DETAILS
Everyone appearing on camera will be asked to sign a talent release upon arrival. For participants under 18, a parent or legal guardian must complete the appropriate release.
RSVP
If you would like to participate, please let me know:
1. Your name
2. How many people will be joining you and their approximate ages
richard@richardkelly.com
412-370-0582 (Mobile/Text
This is a small but ambitious project about something that’s hard to picture: what it’s like when seeing takes effort.
We’d love for you to help us bring it to life.
Richard Kelly
Photographer | Educator | Filmmaker