The 58th Biennial National Association of the Deaf Conference, Roots and Rising, has come to an end, and I want to thank everyone who visited my booth at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square.

From June 30 through July 5, 2026, thousands of members of the Deaf community gathered in San Francisco to reconnect, learn, celebrate, and share ideas. Over the three days I exhibited, I had the opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new people, and share my artwork with visitors from across the country.

Every conference is different, but one thing always remains the same: the conversations.

More Than an Art Exhibition

One of my favorite parts of exhibiting isn't simply showing artwork. It's the conversations that happen because of it.

People shared their stories, asked thoughtful questions, and connected with the artwork in their own way. Some recognized pieces they had seen online, while others were discovering my work for the very first time. Every conversation offered a different perspective, making the experience meaningful for both of us.

Those moments remind me that art is more than something we look at. It becomes a way to exchange ideas, memories, experiences, and perspectives.

Sharing Art in Different Ways

This year, I exhibited original artworks, fine art prints, ASL-inspired visual art, and video art.

My spotlight artwork, Under the Golden Arches, generated many thoughtful conversations alongside works such as Global Touch, ASL in USA, Deaf Key II, and Sunset Gold. Every artwork invited visitors to interpret the work through their own experiences.

Alongside the artwork, I continuously played one of my ASL poetry video art pieces. Many attendees stopped to watch, often staying through the entire video before beginning a conversation. It became another way to welcome people into the booth and experience visual storytelling through movement, rhythm, and language.

Watching visitors move between the artwork and the video created an experience that felt both personal and interactive. It reinforced my belief that visual art and ASL can work together in meaningful ways.

ASL Poetry Video Art - jonsavagegallery.com/asl-poetry-video-art

Reconnecting Through Community

One of the greatest rewards of attending NAD is reconnecting with people I've known over the years while also meeting first-time visitors.

Throughout the conference, I enjoyed conversations with artists, educators, students, families, interpreters, collectors, and community leaders. Some remembered artwork they had seen years ago, while others shared how they connected with a piece for the very first time.

Those conversations often continued beyond the booth. They reminded me that every artwork has the potential to begin a conversation that extends far beyond the exhibition itself.

Why In-Person Still Matters

Social media has made it easier than ever to share artwork and stay connected with people around the world. I'm grateful for those connections because they allow my work to reach audiences I might never meet otherwise.

But nothing replaces meeting in person.

Standing together in front of an original artwork, watching an ASL poetry video, asking questions, sharing stories, and exchanging ideas creates an experience that simply can't be replicated through a screen.

Those face-to-face conversations continue to inspire my work long after the conference has ended.

Thank You

Thank you to everyone who visited my booth, supported my work, collected artwork, or simply stopped to say hello.

I also want to thank the National Association of the Deaf for organizing another memorable conference and creating a space where our community can come together through learning, advocacy, culture, and connection.

Every conference reminds me why I continue bringing my artwork into the Deaf community. While social media allows us to stay connected throughout the year, nothing compares to meeting in person, sharing stories, and experiencing artwork together.

Thank you for being part of the journey. I look forward to seeing many of you again at future events.