Press release

Custom House Exhibits User-Friendly

Carey Goodman, a mediator for the 16th Judicial Circuit Court in Monroe County, and Judy Greene, the Court Operations Manager and ADA Coordinator for 16th Judicial Circuit Court, recently visited the Seward Johnson and Bogan-MacNelly exhibits at the Custom House. “This was exciting, because Johnson is a tremendously talented artist whose attention to detail is exquisite,” said Goodman, who has been blind since birth. “It was nice,” she said, “because I could interact with the exhibits, something I haven’t been able to do at other museums.” Goodman earned her law degree from the University of Miami and her degree in international business from the University of Edinburgh, in Scotland. Greene says Goodman’s blindness has given her an incredible memory and where others would have to search through papers to recall statements or facts, Goodman has almost instant recall. Craig Pennington, husband of Key West Art and Historical Society CEO Claudia Pennington was instrumental in getting Goodman and Greene to the Custom House. “I knew the museum was accessible to everyone and told Judy about the exhibit,” Craig said. “Claudia thought it was a great idea.” “We want to make the Custom House user-friendly for all our visitors,” Claudia said. “We have the outdoor lift and an elevator inside to make the building accessible but we welcome the opportunity to bring visually challenged guests to the museum. “I think what Carey appreciated most was being able to touch the exhibits,” Greene said. “She told me that the Marilyn Monroe sculpture was impressive because she could feel the skirt, its shape, and texture.” “The Mona Lisa’s detail was impressive too,” Goodman recalled. “I thought the boots were a good touch. Each exhibit is unique.” The short elevator ride to the second-floor gallery brought a big change in sculptures for both women. “The Bogan-MacNelly exhibits were hilarious,” Goodman laughed. “It was all different from the large Johnson exhibits, different style and prospective. How could you not laugh when you read the cards identifying each piece of work?” Goodman has been doing court mediation for three years and lived in Miami before moving to Key West. “I will tell my friends to visit the Custom House, whether they are handicapped or not,” Goodman said. “The exhibits are incredible and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable.” What would she say to people with handicaps that live in Key West, or are visiting the island? “Do it,” she said. “Get out and experience the Custom House. You don’t want to miss these exhibits.”

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