Art for Autism Without Boundaries 3rd June 2010

Unusual Collaborators Raise Money for Pioneering New Zealand Centre for Autism.

Auckland City’s Stamford Plaza will overflow with artworks, champagne, canapes and auction bidding at the not-to-be-missed "ART FOR AUTISM WITHOUT BOUNDARIES" Charity Cocktail Evening and Auction on Thursday June 3rd, 2010.

TaO Charitable Trust and top NZ Artist Sofia Minson are leading a fundraising art project like no other. Sofia explains “I have had the joy of working one-on-one with Autistic children from around Auckland. Together, we have produced 12 fantastic, unique artworks.”  

These priceless acrylic paintings, all measuring 920mm high x 610mm wide, will be auctioned off during the Art for Autism charity evening. Money raised will go towards the construction of “The Cocoon”, New Zealand’s first state-of-the-art creative development centre for Autistic children.

An estimated 40,000 New Zealanders live with Autism, many of whom require a variety of specialized services. TaO Trustee Livia Bagoly stresses the urgent need for an architecturally eco-aware centre designed specifically with the sensory issues of Autism taken into account and, where the ground-breaking and unifying “Transcending Autism” programme can be housed.  

Livia says “The complete Holistic Perception Development programme gives Autistic children the opportunity to learn and grow within their individual parameters. It covers all domains of perception, encouraging children to engage in sensory stimulation, music and movement, speech and language, hydrokinetics, massage, exercises and stretching. The Cocoon will be a centre of innovation and creativity, which respects and empowers children and families living with Autism.”

Sofia Minson, who's oil works are in collections all over the world, has also donated one of her own paintings to the cause valued at over $2,000. 13 paintings will be auctioned off at the "Art for Autism Without Boundaries" evening.

Receive a glass of champagne on arrival and canapes will be offered at 6.30pm. Raffle tickets will be sold and prizes drawn on the night.

STAMFORD PLAZA HOTEL, Thursday June 3rd, 2010
7pm - doors open, silent auction begins
8pm - live auction begins

If you would like to come and show your support, email taotrustnz@gmail.com to request an invitation.

Links:

TaO Charitable Trust - www.makingitreal.co.nz
The Cocoon - www.neurohealth.co.nz, click on The Cocoon Centre
Sofia Minson - www.sofiaminson.com