CHUCK BAIRD ART GALLERY
Chuck Baird, one of the nine signatories of the De’VIA manifesto and a much beloved De’VIA artist, constantly encouraged emerging De’VIA Deaf artists. It was his wish to explore and represent the Deaf Experience visually for all to see, feel, know and love.
Chuck Baird was born deaf in Kansas City and along with his three older sisters, went to the Kansas School for the Deaf. Baird graduated from KSD in 1967 and attended Gallaudet University for two years. He then attended Rochester Institute of Technology’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf and received his bachelor’s degree in Studio Painting in 1974.
In addition to his artwork, Baird was renowned as an actor and ASL storyteller. He performed as an actor with the National Theatre of the Deaf from 1980-1990.
The Museum of Deaf History, Arts & Culture is proud to share that the Chuck Baird Foundation for the Visual Arts is housed under the direction of Museum of Deaf History, Arts & Culture.
Chuck Baird
Chuck Baird Foundation for the Visual Arts
De'VIA
Deaf View/Image Art, also known as De’VIA, is art that examines and expresses the Deaf Experience from a cultural, linguistic, and intersectional point of view.
Deaf Artists
The world is filled with talented Deaf artists. Not all Deaf artists consider themselves a part of De’VIA. Here are a few pieces we have on display at the Museum of Deaf History, Arts & Culture.
Chuck Baird’s first oil painting at age 13 (1962)
1st Place Award Watercolor, Painting by James C. Harrall, Roth Adminstration Building (1949)
by James C. Harrall. These were painted after Harrell was involved in a car accident, leaving him quadriplegic, painted only with a brush in his mouth.
Chuck Baird’s first oil painting at age 13 (1962)
Artists To Know
Chuck Baird
(he/him)
Chuck is an inspiring leader in the community. The museum's art gallery is named in his honor.
Rosalyn Watson
(she/her)
A talented self-taught Deaf Black woman who enjoys working with various media.