Art Possible Ohio and the Columbus Museum of Art present Dream Touch Believe as part of the ReelAbilities Film Festival Columbus. The film tells the story of Michael Naranjo, a sculptor who lost his sight in the Vietnam war. Following the film local veterans will discuss art and healing.

Cost:

Free and open to the public. To register visit the Columbus Museum of Art’s page. Registration is requested for this event due to limited seating at the venue.

Access:

Open captions, audio description, and assistive listening

Requests for additional accommodations should be made at least two weeks in advance at info@ArtPossibleOhio.org

When:

November 8, 2026 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Schedule of events:

12:30 PM: doors open

1:00 PM: film begins

2:30 PM: panel discussion on art and healing with Michael George and Dan Gerdeman

Come back to the museum on Friday, November 13th from 1-1:30 PM for CMA Highlights Tours. These are free, 30-minute drop-in tours, offered every Friday from 1:00–1:30 PM. Explore collection and exhibition highlights with a docent. Every second Friday, tours incorporate a variety of disability access strategies.

Where:

Columbus Museum of Art

480 E Broad St, Columbus, OH

Parking:

Park in the museum’s lot for a flat $10 rate. CMA members enjoy free parking. Visitors to the Museum Store and Schokko Café receive $5 parking, just bring your receipt to the Welcome Desk. For more information view their parking map.

Public Transit:

The Columbus Museum of Art is located on East Broad Street and can be accessed from the Broad Street COTA Route #10, for other nearby routes visit COTA to plan your trip.

Film Description:

Running Time: 85 minutes

Director: Jenna Naranjo Winters

Year: 2024

Dream Touch Believe features the inspiring story of blind, Indigenous sculptor Michael Naranjo. As a young man Naranjo lost his eyesight and the use of one hand in the Vietnam War. But he harnessed his inner vision, fought past critics and successfully achieved his lifelong dream of becoming a sculptor. Beyond his art, Naranjo’s inspiring journey is one that sparks hope in people of all ages and from all walks. This emotional and captivating story is ultimately a testament to resilience, creativity and the power of pursuing one’s dream against all odds.

Film Guide: there are sounds and images of war and combat and some discussion of death.

Art and Healing Panel:

Dan Gerdeman (often known as “Gerdy”) is a prominent Columbus, Ohio-based painter, cartoonist, moving-picture artist, US Army veteran and art educator. He is widely recognized in the regional arts community for his distinct lowbrow realism style, which frequently scrambles whimsy with savage, tongue-in-cheek humor

Michael George is a photographer and disabled Veteran based in Union County, Ohio. Through ‘Yeoman’s Work Photography,’ he aims to capture the beauty and character of his local community, using his lens to serve others and support causes he believes in.

Mary Skrenta is a multi-media visual artist, craftsperson, and educator based in Columbus, Ohio. Her work explores the connections between art, nature, and social constructs, inviting reflection on societal norms and the healing power of creativity. As a disabled military veteran herself, Mary has firsthand experience with art as therapy. With degrees in Art Therapy, Fine Arts, and a Master of Fine Arts, Mary is passionate about using art to foster mindfulness, healing, and personal and collective transformation. She is a founding member of MAKE. (Mindful Artists Knowing Existence). Her work has been exhibited nationally, and she has received numerous awards in Ohio.

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