02/23/10 - ArtWorks & StyleWorks return March 10 and 11

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Deborah Luehrs
deborah.luehrs@siskin.org
423.648.1708, office

ArtWorks and StyleWorks to benefit children with special needs
Art auction, marketplace, fashion show set for March 10 to 11

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. —  Twenty-two pieces of original art crafted by youngsters at Siskin Early Learning Centers will be part of a silent auction kicking off ArtWorks and StyleWorks, two fundraisers benefiting children with special needs and their families slated for March 10 and 11.

StyleWorks: Fashion with Compassion features a runway show, luncheon and marketplace offering merchants an avenue to display their latest goods and services. More than 25 vendors will be present for the two-day marketplace. Vendors say the event is an excellent way to showcase their latest offerings while also helping to make life better for children with special needs and their families.

“My husband, Craig, and I have supported Siskin Children's Institute for many years, and I have always enjoyed the StyleWorks event,” said Terri Holley, owner of Embellish shoe boutique. “As a local retailer, it provides a perfect opportunity for me to showcase our store in front of hundreds of fashion-conscious and philanthropic women while supporting a worthwhile organization.”

At the East Brainerd Early Learning Center, children created Andy Warhol inspired art under the direction of Elizabeth Carriger. Downtown learning center children created impressionist-styled works with the assistance of Erin Chapin. Both groups received help from Girls Preparatory School students.

Below is the schedule of the two-day event:

Wednesday, March 10

o  ArtWorks: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Chattanooga Convention Center
7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.    Silent art auction
Marketplace open

Thursday, March 11

o  StyleWorks: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Chattanooga Convention Center
10 a.m.                       Marketplace opens
11:30 a.m.                  Luncheon
12:30 p.m.                  Fashion show
1:30 p.m.                    Marketplace reopens

StyleWorks is sponsored by Chattem Inc. with fashions provided by Belk. Betty Lebovitz and Fern Shire are volunteering as co-chairs of the event. Organizers report that both ticket sales and vendor spaces are selling at a brisk pace. Despite the sour economy, supporters are still helping Siskin put on StyleWorks because of the organization’s long record of growth.

“Chattem is a long-time supporter of Siskin Children's Institute and of StyleWorks,” said Alexis Bogo, executive director of Hamico, the charitable arm of Chattem. “Chattem is proud to have a part of the institute’s growth. We sponsor StyleWorks because it helps further Siskin’s development.”

StyleWorks, ArtWorks and the marketplace draw about 1,000 guests each year. For ticket information, visit the special events page at www.siskin.org/styleworks. All proceeds from StyleWorks and ArtWorks benefit programs and services provided by Siskin Children’s Institute, a leader in serving children with special needs and their families.

About Siskin Children’s Institute

Siskin Children's Institute makes life better for children with special needs and their families. Founded in 1950, the non-profit organization achieves its mission locally and nationally through four initiatives: education, outreach, health care and research. The Institute provides early childhood education where children with and without disabilities learn together; family support and professional development programs; developmental behavioral pediatric health care; and innovative research in early childhood development and special education. For more information about Siskin Children's Institute, visit www.siskin.org.

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