World Autism Awareness Day Mural Inspires Community

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Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy (SMART)

Mar 28, 2016, 09:00 ET

SARASOTA, Fla., March 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy (SMART) has created a mural with the Ringling College of Art and Design to light up blue for the eighth annual World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd, 2016.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160327/348259

Natalie Palumbo, a motion design major from Ringling College of Art and Design worked several days creating two murals at SMART. Palumbo's inspiration for artistic expression stems in part to the strong connection with her older brother Anthony who has low-verbal autism. She says; "I began drawing to cope with the loneliness that we couldn't talk to each other. Anthony loved to watch me draw, so I used my art to communicate with my brother. His unique way of looking at the world has had a big influence on my work."

The Autism Awareness Campaign was created to help provide those with autism with a beneficial sensory aid called the Miracle Belt. Natalie's mother, Carolyn, weighed in on SMART's efforts by telling us a story about her son; "Anthony has always craved deep pressure. The more extreme the better! The first time Anthony wore the Miracle Belt, I noticed he immediately seemed more relaxed and comfortable. Nothing has ever helped Anthony feel more comfortable in his skin than the Miracle Belt."

The goal of Natalie's Autism Awareness Mural is to help inspire the community to bring awareness about the puzzling world of autism and sensory needs. John Gross, CFO of Firkins Automotive Group, notes the importance of these efforts stating; "I personally know several friends who have children with autism. These children are very special and I urge everyone in our community to reach out to help fight for those who have been affected by autism." Firkins Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram has provided a bright blue Jeep Wrangler to lend additional support to help light the world up blue this April.

The mural will be showcased during an Autism Awareness event on April 23rd 2016 at the SMART facility, between 1:00pm to 4:00pm. The event will provide a day of free fun and refreshment for friends and families of those with autism. Activities include a local jazz and reggae band, a bounce house for the kids, face painting, BBQ by Hosted Gourmet, and soft drinks from the Rusty Bucket.

Businesses providing support for the event to date include Atlantis Constructors of SW FL, Inc., Benjamin Moore (Sarasota Paint), Beyond the Spectrum, Blaze Pizza, Body Heat Yoga, City Mind, Commit Marketing, Dane Spencer Landscape, Doctors Express, Emmons Enterprises, Ever Bank (Penny Hill Group), Firkins Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, FR Conversions, Green Zebra Café, Hosted Gourmet, Jiffy Lube (South Bay Lube, Inc.), Jump Up Your Fun, Lazy Lobster, The Learning Cottage:Sarasota, Maduro Cigar & Bar, Matusiak/Vac Real Estate, Menchies Frozen Yogurt, Metal Frenzy, Neal Communities, Orange Theory, Palermo Design Group, Pool Design Concepts, Rosa Fiorelli Winery, Rusty Bucket, Sarasota Sign Machine, SRQ Magazine, State Farm (Cari Fallen), Station 400, Stockyard Feed & Western Wear, Superior Sheds of Sarasota, Ugg's Bakery and Whole Foods. SMART is accepting new sponsors until April 14th.

For more information about the event visit www.facebook.com/SMARTautismawareness/ or call the Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy at 941-322-2000.

Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy (SMART), a 501(c)(3) organization registered with the I.R.S., Federal Tax ID #65-0043354 and the State of Florida #CH4398, and does not engage professional solicitors. 100% of contributions received are used to fulfill the foundation's mission. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE 800-435-7352.REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

SNN TV News: http://www.snntv.com/2016/03/15/mural-for-autism-awareness/

Media Contact

Gail Clifton | SMART | www.smartriders.org

O 941.322.2000 | F 941.761.6974

[email protected]

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SOURCE Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy (SMART)