Category Archives: Art Fest Naples Invitation

Winning Artists Return to Naples Invitational Art Fest Art for 15th Annual Show

John Chen and Marcus Thomas earned Best of Show in 2011

Naples, Florida (January 10, 2012) — John Chen and Marcus Thomas, Best of Show winners at the 2011 Naples Invitational Art Fest will return for this year’s two-day juried show on January 28 and 29, 2012 at Fleischmann Park, 1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples.
They’ll be joined by nearly 150 other artists exhibiting a range of mediums
including oil, acrylic and water color paintings, blown glass, turned wood
pieces, sculptures, jewelry to a variety of mixed media painting,
sculpture,  jewelry, metal, ceramics and wood.  The show benefits
Eden Autism Services.

Both Chen and Thomas overcame obstacles before becoming noted artists.  Born in Taipei, Taiwan, John Chen graduated from the National Taiwan Normal University of Fine Arts. He spoke no English when he arrived in the United States, but his discipline and
dedication to his art have earned him numerous First Place and Best of Show
awards throughout the region.  “John has taken a traditional
technique and developed quite an innovative style” said Art Fest
Director Jill Spanbauer.

At the age of 26, Marcus Thomas suffered a skiing accident
that broke his neck and left him paralyzed from the shoulders down.  When
the accident left him with only his imagination, his mind, the muscles of his
head and neck, Marcus turned to art and began to realize his calling as an
artist.   “Marcus’ work captures the natural world in color and
light,” said Spanbauer.  “He pushes beyond the boundaries of what we
believe possible, perfecting difficult techniques and capturing elusive
moments.”

Consistently ranked as one of America’s top art shows by industry magazine Sunshine Artists, the show is judged by prominent art collectors, gallery owners, educators and guest 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.  Participating
sponsors include Arthrex, First National Bank of the Gulf Coast and Home-Tech.

“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.”  For more information about sponsorships for the
2012 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 110 children in the United States,
and one in 70 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

(Naples, Fla. – Nov. 22, 2011) – Eden Autism Services has announced sponsors for the 15^th annual Naples Invitational Art Fest.  Arthrex, First National Bank of the Gulf Coast and Home-Tech are partnering again with Eden Autism Services to present the juried art shows, to be held January 28-29 and March 17-18, 2012 at Fleischmann Park, 1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples.

“Some of the nation’s finest artists participate in the Art Fest, displaying and selling their wares ranging from oil, acrylic and water color paintings, blown glass, turned wood pieces, sculptures, jewelry to a variety of mixed media.” said Art Fest Director Jill Spanbauer.  “This year the community has the opportunity to enjoy the show in both January and March.” Spanbauer has been the Art Fest director for 12 years.

Consistently ranked as one of America’s top art shows by industry magazine Sunshine Artists, the show is judged by prominent art collectors, gallery owners, educators and guest 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.

“The Art Fest is a major fundraiser for us each year and we greatly appreciate the business 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 sponsorships for the 2012 Naples Invitational Art Fest contact Susan Suarez at 239-992-4680, ext. 5010 or Susan.suarez@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 Susan Suarez at 239-992-4680, ext. 5010 or  susan.suarez@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 110 children in the United States, and one in 70 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.