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Arts & Entertainment

Art Trends Gallery To Raise Funds For Autism Speaks

"Shades of Blue" will feature art, music, food and a selection of fine wines.

When revelers gather at Saturday night, it won't be just to enjoy live music, live art, catered hors d'œuvres or a great selection of wines. It will be to fund autism awareness and research.

The —will raise money for Autism Speaks Walk St. Louis, which is dedicated to increasing awareness of autism; funding research into the causes, prevention and treatments; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. 

“This is a precursor for the main event, which is the Autism Speaks Walk in October,” said Nancy Dorwart, manager of Art Trends. “Everyone is encouraged to wear shades of blue to show their support.” Blue is the designated color of autism awareness.

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Autism Speaks Walk St. Louis takes place on October 15 in Forest Park, starting at Central Field. The event features a resource fair, a stage show and a bounce house beginning at 11:30 a.m., followed by the walk starting at 1 p.m. There is no registration fee to walk.

In addition to the art already on display at the gallery, jewelry from the liza B. collection by everett e. johnson—named for the artist's late grandmothers—will be featured. A concert group of approximately 15 kids, ranging from 12-16 years old, will sing and play guitars. The group is provided by Jack Zdvorak and his company, Coyote Moon Productions.

Artists Kurt Parker and Sonja Robinson will be creating art live, offering attendees a unique opportunity to see paintings created from start to finish. Both Parker and Robinson work at the gallery. Founded by Kent Kehr, Art Trends works with 200 artists locally and nationally and celebrated its sixth anniversary in October 2010.

The coordinator of Shades of Blue is Lu-Wayne Haney, whose son suffers from autism. “It's really her event,” Dorwart said. “Her son is autistic. She doesn't work for Autism Speaks, but is working for the goal she set for the cause. We're helping her."

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Although Art Trends has hosted many events in the past, including raising funds for charity, “Shades of Blue” is a departure for the gallery. “We've done fundraisers before, but not of this sort,” Dorwart said. “We've done wine tastings, exhibits, private events—but this is our first paid event, and 100 percent of the proceeds goes to Autism Speaks.”

While most events set a financial goal, Dorwart is hesitant to attach an amount to the event. “I'm afraid to put a limit or goal on it,” Dorwart said. "I'd like to see 100 people here. It will be a very cool, catered event with really good wines. Everybody is welcome.”

Everyone at Art Trends has been working to prepare for the special event and are expecting things to go smoothly. “We're excited,” Dorwart said. “We're tired but have very high hopes for the kids who have autism.”

Art Trends Gallery is located at 703 Long Road Crossing Dr. Tickets are $25 in advance at the WePay website, or $35 at the door the day of the event. For more information, contact Art Trends at 636-536-3266, or visit the Art Trends Gallery events page.

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