PRESS RELEASE

Easter Seals Miami-Dade Unveils official artwork 

by popular Miami artist, MANO

miArte Gallery

85 Merrick Way 

Wednesday, April 5, 2006

6:00 - 8:00 pm

305.445.2783

www.miartegallery.com

Coral Gables, FL - Easter Seals Miami-Dade will unveil the official artwork for their 18th annual Festival of Chefs on Wednesday, April 5 during a cocktail reception at miArte Gallery located in Coral Gables.  This year’s artwork for the signature event was created by popular Miami artist, MANO. Easter Seals’, Melissa Frantz said "Mano’s bold palette captures the essence of our Culinary Arts program that brings hope to so many in our community".

The public is invited to attend this free event and to learn more about Easter Seals Miami-Dade Festival of Chefs, a culinary extravaganza featuring the area’s top restaurants. Proceeds from the Festival of Chefs will benefit Easter Seals of Miami-Dade’s Culinary Arts Education and Training Program. This program offers hands-on culinary experience and a high school education to students ages 16-22 with cognitive disabilities, hearing impairments and cerebral palsy. Through the program students gain the training necessary to work in the commercial food industry and earn their high school degree. Upon graduation of the program students are assisted in finding a job in the hospitality or commercial food industry. The Culinary Arts program is just one of the many ways that Easter Seals Miami-Dade creates solutions and changes lives for those living with disabilities.

Easter Seals has been helping individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families, live better lives for more than 85 years. Whether helping someone improve physical mobility, return to work or simply gain greater independence for everyday living, Easter Seals offers a variety of services to help people with disabilities address life’s challenges and achieve personal goals.

For more information about Easter-Seals’ Festival of Chefs contact Melissa Frantz, director of development and marketing at 305.325.0478.

miArte Gallery is located at 85 Merrick Way, one block north of Miracle Mile and west of Douglas Road. Off-street metered parking is available and a municipal covered parking garage is located directly across the street from miArte gallery.  For more information on miArte Gallery visit www.miartegallery.com

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