How Artist Jill Wells Uses Braille to Make Art Accessible for Everyone | Iowa Life

Des Moines based artist and accessibility advocate Jill Wells was recently featured on the PBS series Iowa Life.

Jill’s path into accessibility stemmed from personal experiences that she finds herself examining often. Shortly before beginning her studies in art, Jill’s brother Lee Simmons had an aneurysm that resulted in the loss of his eyesight. This led Jill to question how art can be experienced through other senses.

Wells work uses tactile elements, braille text, sound and light. These sensory tools are incorporated into visual art pieces so that people of all abilities can engage with the artwork through multiple senses.

Along with working with her brother to create multisensory murals Jill also co-runs Freedom of Expression. The FOE Project collaborates with central Iowa artists across disciplines, abilities, and career stages to create collective exhibitions, public art installations, and meaningful community connections. For more information on the Freedom of Expression Project, please click here.

I AM A MULTITUDE - Wells’ current exhibition is a site-specific immersive installation that serves as a meditation on identity, health, and renewal. I AM A MULTITUDE will run from Oct 30 - Dec 19, 2025 at the Anderson Gallery at Drake University. For more information please click here.

To access the segment on Jill Wells click here. To access the full Iowa Life episode click here.