The nonprofit Seeing Through Touch was established for the creation and development of sculpture parks for all — including the blind and visually impaired. The work of the committee members is voluntary.
Its purpose is the realization and outdoor installation of a series of bronze sculptures illustrating the thirty Articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The sculptures are meant to be touched by visitors and commented on with texts in conventional characters and Braille.
The nonprofit is responsible for raising the funds necessary for the creation of each park. It also administers the projects and promotes the works.
Seeing Through Touch is recognized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization.
It is open to all people motivated to further the cause of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights through the Human Rights sculpture parks.
The projects of Seeing Through Touch are not for any furtherance of commercial, political or religious agendas.
Marie Guénat, born in Fribourg, Switzerland, came to the US to further her education. For the past 24 years, Marie has held several managerial and executive positions with Visa, Oracle, and Apple Inc.
Volunteerism and philanthropy are important parts of Marie’s life. Together with her husband, Stuart, they’ve supported and been key contributors of various local, national, and international social betterment charities that address human rights education, drug prevention, and medical freedom. They were instrumental in fundraising nearly 1 million dollars that enabled a local charity, Community United San Jose, to achieve its aims of funding youth centers and deliver effective after school educational programs to at-risk youth.
Marie’s passion for educating the public on the 30 Articles of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights and desire to provide such education in artistic form has led Marie and others to found Seeing Through Touch. “It's a privilege to work on such a beautiful, important, and relevant project at the intersection of education, art, and Human Rights for all.”
Angelika Voss-Quinn was born in Hamburg, Germany, and moved to the US in 1987. Angelika is an entrepreneur and highly regarded physical therapist, owning her practice and pilates studio for more than 30 years.
Angelika has a long history of leadership in business as well as numerous community organizations. Throughout the entirety of her professional career Angelika has served in several key volunteer roles including contributor and President of the Livermore (CA) Soroptimist (a women’s service organization), several years as Board Member of the Tri Valley Interfaith Interconnect, member of Drug Free World, Youth for Human Rights, Citizens Commission on Human Rights, and has been a Disaster Relief Volunteer.
Angelika has been a Rotarian for over 20 years and is the current President of the Rotary Club of Livermore Valley, California. As a Rotarian she has been involved in international and community service projects. She also has been very active in her church as both Chairperson of the church’s volunteer group, and as an ordained minister.
Angelika’s passion for increasing awareness of Human Rights is driven by her personal experience beginning from childhood in post-World War II Germany. Learning about the atrocities committed by her countrymen during World War II left an indelible impression on her and influenced her decision to be an active participant in organizations that promote peace, understanding, cooperation, and Human Rights.
“I was so honored when asked to be the President of Seeing Through Touch that I couldn’t resist the opportunity to play a key role in such a prestigious, aesthetic, and heart-warming project.”.
Stuart Rosenbaum is an entrepreneur, executive, philanthropist, and author.
Born in Philadelphia, then relocated to Silicon Valley where he eventually founded several businesses including financial technology companies: US Merchant Systems, Convenient Payments, IntelliPay, and currently serves on the board of Convenient - Brands.
Over the past three decades, he’s been a key contributor and has helped raise millions for various causes including Community United San Jose, Citizen Commission on Human Rights, and the establishment of several new community churches.
He’s written industry articles and has been a regular content contributor on religious freedom and human rights issues. He is also the author of the humorous yet educational story of Ug the caveman — “The World First Salesman”.
“Seeing Through Touch is an ingenious new methodology that educates society on vital issues while at the same time providing a highly esthetic and tactile experience for all who visit. I’m very proud to be a member of the team that is bringing this wonderful concept to mankind.”
