Young Artist Paints to Raise Funds for Sandy

STONE HARBOR – At a young age, Autumn de Forest has been recognized as an extraordinary talent and compared to some of the greatest artists of all time, even being labeled a “pint sized Picasso”. Yet, at 11-years-old, her compassion for those less fortunate and commitment to helping others is just as impressive as her amazing artwork.
When Autumn de Forest returns to Ocean Galleries, over the July fourth weekend, she will use her artwork as a tool to help victims of last fall’s Hurricane Sandy. To honor the rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Sandy, Autumn de Forest has created a special tribute painting to be auctioned off with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Hurricane Sandy NJ Relief Fund.
Last summer, Ocean Galleries hosted Autumn de Forest for her first ever solo exhibition and she fell in love with the seaside community of Stone Harbor and the Jersey shore.
This summer, the child prodigy brings an amazing assortment of all new artwork to Ocean Galleries (9618 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor). The “Prodigy Returns: A New Collection of Artwork by Autumn de Forest” runs through Sun., July 14.
When Autumn learned that she was returning to New Jersey, she immediately wanted to do something to help those who suffered from Hurricane Sandy’s wrath last fall. The original painting that she created will be auctioned off with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Hurricane Sandy NJ Relief Fund. A giant replica of the commemorative piece of art will be unveiled this week at Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Waterparks in Wildwood as part of the opening celebrations of Morey’s new artBOX, a first-of-its-kind boardwalk artist colony made from repurposed shipping containers.
Last month, the 8’ x 30’ installation of Autumn’s original painting took place with the help of a large crane and a giant drape, on the only vertical shipping container in the artBOX colony.
Autumn de Forest’s Charitable Efforts
Autumn de Forest began her charitable efforts at the young age of six and has been focused on giving back ever since. Her philanthropic and humanitarian efforts have ranged from arts education to relief support for Haiti and Japan. Long before Autumn ever sold her first painting, she was giving thousands to those in need. Autumn insisted upon helping her community by donating large paintings to her hometown’s premier charity, Opportunity Village, a not-for-profit organization that serves people in the Southern Nevada community with intellectual disabilities, helping to enhance their lives and the lives of the families who love them.
Opportunity Village’s Executive Director stated, “Autumn brings so much more to this world than her wonderful paintings. She is a blessed soul and shares this with everyone around her.”
When tragedy struck in Haiti and Japan, Autumn insisted on donating to organizations established to assist the victims of the disasters faced in each country. The original pieces she created are valued at over $50,000 and Autumn is actively pursuing a charitable channel to auction the pieces and have proceeds distributed.
Most recently, Autumn designed yoga mats for Bent On Learning, a New York City based foundation raising money for teaching yoga to NYC public school children in their classrooms (http://bentonlearning.org/art-auction-preview/). By providing every child with their own mat and integrating the practice of yoga into their daily routine, Bent On Learning helps children learn to feel better about themselves, release stress, and calm their emotions – all of which makes them healthier and happier.
For more information, contact Ocean Galleries at 609-368-7777 or visit www.oceangalleries.com
For more information on Morey’s Piers’ new artBOX, visit http://www.moreyspiers.com/landing-page/autumn