Naples Invitational Art Fest Call to Artists for 2013 Show

Fort Myers, FL, September 22, 2012 --(PR.com)-- The Naples Invitational Art Fest is accepting applications from artists working in all media to exhibit at the 16th annual Naples Invitational Art Fest. The juried art show will be held January 26-27, 2013 at Fleischmann Park, 1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples. A jury of arts professionals will select the artists to participate in the show and will award $5,000 in prizes in numerous categories. All artists must apply online at www.edenartfest.com by October 15, 2012.

Consistently ranked as one of America’s top art shows by industry magazine Sunshine Artists, The Naples Invitational Art Fest is unique in Florida and the country because the proceeds benefit a 501(c) 3 organization, Eden Autism Services. Eden Autism Services' mission is to improve the lives of children and adults with autism and provide support to their families by providing a range of community based services to meet specific needs throughout the lifespan. These services include K-12 schools in Fort Myers and Naples, clinical services, consultations and community training, and adult residential, vocational training and employment services.

“Many fine artists from across the U.S., Canada and abroad will participate in the 2013 Art Fest,” said Art Fest Director, Jill Spanbauer. “They travel to Naples to exhibit and sell their work which ranges from oil, acrylic and water color paintings, blown glass, turned wood pieces, sculptures, and jewelry to a variety of mixed media.”

“The Art Fest is a major fundraiser for us each year and we greatly appreciate the community’s support,” says Eden’s Executive Director of Florida Operations, Susan Suarez. “We’re able to raise needed funds to support developmental and educational programs for our students with autism.”

Sponsorships are still available. For more information about the 2013 Naples Invitational Art Fest contact Taire Malloy at 239-992-4680, ext. 5014 or Taire.malloy@edenautism.org or visit www.edenartfest.com.

About Eden Autism Services
The Naples Invitational Art Fest benefits a 501 (c) 3 organization, Eden Autism Services. Eden Autism Services Florida was founded in 1996 to address the state’s growing need for specialized services for children and adults with autism and their families. Eden Autism Services' mission is to improve the lives of children and adults with autism and provide support to their families by providing a range of community based services to meet specific needs throughout the lifespan. These services include K-12 schools in Fort Myers and Naples, clinical services, consultations and community training, and adult residential, vocational training and employment services. For more information, about Eden Florida or the Art Fest, contact Taire Malloy at 239-992-4680, ext. 5014 or Taire.malloy@edenautism.org.
About Autism

Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 88 children in the United States, and one in 54 boys. The prevalence of autism has increased 600 percent in the past two decades. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.