Chattanooga Has Fun 2.5

Twenty-two pieces of original art crafted by youngsters at Siskin Early Learning Centers will be part of a silent auction kicking off ArtWorks and StyleWorks, two fundraisers benefiting children with special needs and their families slated for March 10 and 11.

StyleWorks: Fashion with Compassion features a runway show, luncheon and marketplace offering merchants an avenue to display their latest goods and services. More than 25 vendors will be present for the two-day marketplace. Vendors say the event is an excellent way to showcase their latest offerings while also helping to make life better for children with special needs and their families.

At the East Brainerd Early Learning Center, children created Andy Warhol inspired art under the direction of Elizabeth Carriger. Downtown learning center children created impressionist-styled works with the assistance of Erin Chapin. Both groups received help from Girls Preparatory School students.

Below is the schedule of the two-day event:

Wednesday, March 10

ArtWorks: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Chattanooga Convention Center

7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Silent art auction

Marketplace open

Thursday, March 11

StyleWorks: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Chattanooga Convention Center

10 a.m. Marketplace opens

11:30 a.m. Luncheon

12:30 p.m. Fashion show

1:30 p.m. Marketplace reopens

StyleWorks is sponsored by Chattem Inc. with fashions provided by Belk. Betty Lebovitz and Fern Shire are volunteering as co-chairs of the event. Organizers report that both ticket sales and vendor spaces are selling at a brisk pace. Despite the sour economy, supporters are still helping Siskin put on StyleWorks because of the organization’s long record of growth.

StyleWorks, ArtWorks and the marketplace draw about 1,000 guests each year.

For ticket information, visit the special events page at www.siskin.org/styleworks.  All proceeds from StyleWorks and ArtWorks benefit programs and services provided by Siskin Children’s Institute, a leader in serving children with special needs and their families.