FULLERTON, Calif., Jan. 8, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In observance of autism awareness month, local award-winning social justice-oriented art show "Art with an Agenda Presents – The Beautiful Autism" anticipates 1,000 attendees at the exhibition to benefit Fullerton Cares Autism Coalition, Friday, April 4, at the Egan Gallery, 223 W. Santa Fe Ave in Fullerton, open to the public from 6-10 p.m.
The show will raise awareness and funds for those affected with autism with the goal of including all people of all abilities into the local community and will feature 25-30 established Southern California artists donating their art for a silent auction showcasing the generous spirit and creative talent of the visual arts community.
Activist and gallery owner Stephen Baxter, 48, of Fullerton, has raised over $30,000 for charities since his first 'Art With An Agenda' show 1.5 years ago. Baxter fuses his love of art with social justice causes resulting in prestigious awards from AIDS Walk Orange County, recognition from the State Assembly office of Sharon Quirk Silva, and OC Weekly's "Best of Orange County 2013" for "Best Protesting Organization." Baxter is co-curating the show with Janelle Ferrara, a parent of a child with autism.
Inspired by Baxter's personal interest in the fair treatment of those with autism and his own experience as a person with dyslexia and as a person who stutters, Baxter speaks publicly on the topic of autism. Says Baxter, "Art is a wonderful way to connect people with each other while raising money for a great cause."
Says Fullerton Cares founder, Larry Houser, "I am extremely pleased that Baxter and his Egan Gallery will be taking up the issue of autism through art in support of Fullerton Cares."
This is a free event, open to the public, with free parking and free refreshments. Public information, visit: http://www.artwithanagenda.org/. The event is open to people of all abilities and all ages, though some material may be more oriented for an adult audience.
ABOUT FULLERTON CARES: Awareness, acceptance and fundraising are the pillars of Fullerton Cares, which spreads the message of autism throughout North Orange County and was founded by Lawrence Houser, father to Boyd, 5, who was diagnosed with autism at age two. Fullerton Cares was founded in 2009 and has raised over $53,000 to support autism initiatives. http://fullertoncares.com/
https://www.facebook.com/FullertonCaresAutismFoundation
ABOUT AUTISM: Affecting 1 in every 88 American children, autism is a complex condition that affects a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. http://www.autismspeaks.org
ABOUT ART WITH AN AGENDA: With past art shows tackling issues such as the police beating of mentally ill homeless man Kelly Thomas, marriage equality, pet adoption and the mounting medical bills of a downtown Fullerton merchant battling cancer, "Art with an Agenda" is deeply committed to helping the community and local charitable organizations. http://www.artwithanagenda.org/the-mission.html.