For Immediate Release

Public Art Event Sets Sail
Public Art Exhibition Featuring Sailboats & Woodies to Raise Funds for SMILES Therapeutic Riding Center

DARIEN, Wis. – May 18, 2011 – Back by popular demand, Special Methods in Learning Equine Skills, Inc. (SMILES) is planning a public art exhibition to set sail for Walworth County, Wis. on Sunday, June 5. The “Anchor’s Away” Public Art Project will feature 100 masterfully painted fiberglass sailboats and woodies, or replicas of a classic wooden boat.

The public is invited to an open house viewing of the one hundred, one-of-a-kind boats at The Abbey Resort, 269 Fontana Blvd. in Fontana, Wis., on Sunday, June 5 from 2 – 5 p.m. Local and regional artists’ works of art will be unveiled that afternoon before being docked in their port of call communities across Walworth County, Wisconsin for the summer. The cost to attend this family-friendly event is $10, which includes live entertainment by Jeff Trudell and one cocktail. Children 12 and under are free. All proceeds will be benefiting SMILES.

“We are very excited to integrate the boats throughout the communities of Walworth County this year,” said Sherry Monty, executive director of SMILES. “It’s so fitting to see our area of Southeast Wisconsin, known for its sparkling lakes, showcased by one-of-a-kind artisan created boats.”

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for parties interested in displaying a boat at their business this summer. Sponsorship packets are available for download at www.smiles.nu or contact SMILES at (262) 882-3470. Based on previous attendance, it’s estimated that tens of thousands of people will be visiting Walworth County to view the project. So, don’t miss the boat on this wonderful opportunity to generate awareness for your business while helping touch the lives of children and adults with disabilities.

SMILES
Based in Darien, Wis., SMILES is a 35-acre therapeutic riding center for adults and children with disabilities. The equine assisted program serves over 300 challenged individuals per year with the majority of participants residing in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. For more information, to volunteer or make a donation, please visit www.smiles.nu or call (262) 882-3470.

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Photo caption: Works in process by artists Pat Werner and Jordan Pieczynski. Completed boat design by Denise Murphy.

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Contacts:

Name: Sherry Monty
Company: SMILES
Phone: (262) 882-3470
Email: smiles@smiles.nu