Jill Wells 2024 Tanne Award Recipient

Jill Wells holding the braille plaque that accompanies her 3D Tactile mural

The Tanne Foundation is dedicated to expanding opportunities for artists and profoundly enhancing their artistic experiences. They hold the belief that every artistic voice, regardless of its recognition or prominence, has the potential to produce something extraordinary.

Since it was founded in 1999 the Tanne Foundation has awarded 137 artists and thirteen organizations in recognition of their achievements in a variety of artistic fields.

This year one of the Tanne Award recipients is Mainframe Studios’ very own board member and tenant artist Jill Wells. Wells is an interdisciplinary artist, advocate, and mentor whose work is deeply informed by both personal experiences and critical explorations of accessibility, disability inequality, race, stereotypes, and history. Wells creates narrative-driven, multisensory art that addresses these themes and engages individuals of all abilities through a diverse range of mediums, collaborative projects, and research initiatives.

By integrating public art, multisensory design, Braille, and adaptive arts, Wells aims to enhance awareness and expand access to arts and culture for everyone. Additionally, Wells runs ARTIST X ADVOCACY (AXA), an annual youth mentorship program dedicated to fostering artistic and advocacy skills among young people.

This year’s Tanne Award recognizes Wells’ outstanding achievements and exceptional creativity. Click here to see more of Jill Wells’ art.