Get a Good Feeling at Aloft Hotel

Posted 10.8.12

Photo provided by ALOFT 

Often artists pride themselves on the ineffability of their work. However, Kenn Kotara hopes you'll "solve" his 3-foot by 9-foot Braille-based panel. The new Aloft Hotel Downtown Asheville encourages visitors to "feel out" one particular piece of art, entitled "The Travelers," which contains 10 quotations spelled out with over 2,000 copper plated, half-dome, decorative nails. 

"This is my first Brailled-based artwork that people are actually encouraged to touch," explains Kenn, an Asheville artist who has designed Braille-inspired artwork for five years.

John McKibbon, hotel developer, commissioned "The Travelers" while selecting other local art for the hotel, which features 115 rooms and the work of more than 10 local artists in both guests' rooms and public spaces. "As I began the selection process, I was blown away by the talent and quality of work that is produced right here in Asheville," he explains. "We are encouraging guests and visitors to really interact with the piece and 'read' the 10 phrases that I worked with Kenn to develop."

Beginning on October 5, a reading contest raises funds for Industries for the Blind Asheville and the Literacy Council of Buncombe County. Each time a phrase is deciphered, Aloft will donate $1,000 in the participant's name to one of those two local organizations. Ultimately, $10,000 will be split between the two charities, which assist residents with vision and literacy challenges.

This contest will remain open until all 10 phrases are revealed.

Aloft Hotel Downtown Asheville is located at 51 Biltmore Avenue. For more information, visit online at aloftashevilledowntown.com or call 828.232.2838.