PLANO, Texas, Jan. 15, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Art Conspiracy, a non-profit organization formed by North Texas artists and musicians, raised more than $45,000 during their annual fundraising event in support of My Possibilities (MP), the organization's 2013 beneficiary. A Plano-based non-profit center dedicated to empowering special needs adults, MP is a leader in providing educational programs, vocational and independent living skills training.
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In the event's 9th year, Art Con 9 was held in a large warehouse located at 500 Singleton Blvd. on Saturday, Nov. 16. More than 150 Art Conspiracy artists donated original works of art to be auctioned off at the event. Over 2,500 guests attended, purchasing artwork to raise funds and awareness for regional artistic programs and causes. The highest bid of the night was $1,050. Proceeds from the 2013 fundraiser will benefit My Possibilities' Create Program.
Using art as an educational tool, the My Possibilities Create Program helps the school's students – Hugely Important People, known as HIPsters – express their feelings and creativity through drawing, painting, ceramics and photography courses.
A check for the proceeds from the fundraiser will be presented to Charmaine Solomon, founder and chairman of the board of directors of My Possibilities. The ceremony took place on Tuesday, Jan. 14 in the Art Studio of the MP campus located at 1631 Dorchester Drive in Plano. Members of the Art Con executive team and board were on hand for the check presentation to the center's executive staff.
"By any measure, Art Con 9 was a tremendous success," said Solomon. "We are deeply touched by the generous support of the talented Art Con artists and their patrons. With almost 20 percent of our classroom space dedicated to art, music and other creative activities, the $45,000 raised during the auction will enable the center to continue adding an even wider array of artistic programs."
A leader in special needs education for adults with various disabilities including Autism, Down Syndrome, Asperger's, Prader-Willi, and head injuries, My Possibilities plans to continue expanding the center's art programs through the purchase of additional art equipment and supplies. The Create Program also includes monthly discussions about the works of famous masters of different eras, while examining techniques for art-making. Art Con funds will also be used to underwrite field trips to various North Texas art galleries and museums such as the DMA, Nasher and Trammel Crow.
"Starting as a grassroots effort in 2005 to help other local art-based programs, Art Con has grown into an annual extravaganza that attracts artistic talent from throughout North Texas," said Erica Felicella, Executive Director, Art Conspiracy. "To date, Art Con has raised more than $250,000 for a number of worthy art-inspired causes, including this year's beneficiary, My Possibilities. Art Con members want to help others, and the success of Art Con 9 enables our organization to donate $45,000 in support of art-based programs for special needs adults."
More than an art auction fundraiser, Art Con is an artistic event that focuses on fun and good food. Each year Art Con features the work of local artists and musicians that donate creative works and services in order to entertain guests. Nationally-recognized musical bands give concerts, and DJs provide music for dancing. Tasty food and drinks are available for all, as guests raise money for art-inspired charities and programs.
To learn more about My Possibilities, contact Charmaine Solomon at (469) 631-1372 or by email at lalchar@aol.com. To reach Michael Thomas, the MP executive director, call 469-241-9100 ext. 123 or email him at director@mptx.org. Additional information is also available on the website at www.mypossibilities.org. For information on Art Conspiracy, contact Erica Felicella at erica@artconspiracy.org, or visit the website at www.artconspiracy.org.
About Art Conspiracy:
Art Conspiracy is a North Texas based nonprofit community that conspires to bring artists and musicians together, raise funds, and activate awareness for regional creative programs and causes. Art Conspiracy's bi-annual events are designed to be affordable and offer everyone a chance to purchase original artwork at a reasonable level. Art Conspiracy is a 501(c)(3), organization with IRS nonprofit status. More information is available at www.artconspiracy.org.
About My Possibilities:
My Possibilities is a Plano, Texas-based non-profit, charity - 501(c)(3), for adults with disabilities (Autism, Down Syndrome, Asperger's, Prader-Willi, Head Injuries, etc.). Started in June 2008, this organization is the FIRST full-day, full-year program in Collin County for Texans, who have "aged out" of secondary education. My Possibilities helps special needs adults build independence and vocational skills in a safe and nurturing environment. To learn more, please go to www.mypossibilities.org.
