2020 iaedp(TM) Symposium Offers Self-Expression through Art Competition

PEKIN, Ill., Oct. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Studies involving eating disorders have revealed that emotional repression is linked to higher reports of medical challenges. Through a unique art competition sponsored annually by the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (iaedp(TM)), artists are given the opportunity of self-expression by pushing the boundaries of form, structure and identity through visual, 3-dimensional and mixed media as well as poetry, spoken word and dance/performance.

The art competition is themed is "Imagine Me Beyond What You See" and held during the annual iaedp(TM) Symposium. At next year's conference in Orlando at the Omni at ChampionsGate, March 26-29, the top five art finalists are showcased and the winner is revealed. Entries are currently being accepted through December 15, 2019.

"Imagine Me Beyond What You See" originally was designed to promote a healthy awareness and acceptance of body images. That focus has been nurtured over the 10-year span that the special art competition has been conducted. The art contest is open to everyone; however, iaedp(TM) asks treatment centers and private practices with art therapists to work with patients to provide entries.
"The art submissions are as unique as the art competition itself," says Blanche Williams, MS and Director of International Development at the iaedp(TM) Foundation. "The artists' allow outsiders to see inside their emotional selves. Each contest entry communicates powerful themes and reveals courageous individuals."

Entries must include a 300-word description/inspiration along with a two to three sentence biography of the artist or group. A list of materials/content must be provided along with a submission of four photos of the art form in high (300+) resolution jpeg format that shows at least four different angles. Photos will be enlarged, so quality is important. Poetry and/or spoken word should be submitted in writing and/or one to two minute You Tube video link. Dance/performance must be submitted in one to two minute You Tube video link. All entries require signing an artist release.

The Lead Sponsorship for the 2020 "Imagine Me Beyond What You See" is still open for organizations which are interested in helping to support the competition. For more details contact blanche@iaedp.com.

The "Imagine Me Beyond What You See" awards ceremony, scheduled during the 2020 iaedp(TM) Symposium, will include the Professionals' Choice Award, which is selected through voting by iaedp(TM) membership, 2020 Symposium attendees and the general public.

Past year Imagine Me contest entries and winners can be seen by visiting: http://www.iaedp.com/imagine-me/ and http://membershare.iaedp.com/category/members/memberimagineme/. For additional information about the Imagine Me art competition, including how to enter, contact Blanche@iaedp.com.

About the iaedp(TM) Foundation: Since 1985, the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals has provided education and training standards to an international and multidisciplinary group of various healthcare treatment providers and helping professions. MemberSHARE.iaedp.com is an iaedp(TM) business journal and online member resource to learn about noteworthy member achievements, continuing education webinars and U.S. and international chapter activity and events; for more information, visit MemberSHARE.

The Presidents Council provides iaedp(TM) support and includes: Center for Change; Center for Hope of the Sierras; Center for Discovery; Eating Recovery Center; Willow Place; Laureate Eating Disorders Program; McCallum Place Eating Disorder Centers; The Meadows Ranch; Rogers Behavioral Health; Rosewood Centers for Eating Disorders; Selah House; The Renfrew Center; Timberline Knolls; Turning Tides Eating Disorder Treatment Center; Veritas Collaborative; Focus Treatment Centers; Alsana Eating Disorder Treatment & Recovery Centers; and Silver Hill Hospital.
More information about all aspects regarding iaedp(TM) and its 2020 Symposium can be found at iaedp.com.

SOURCE iaedp Foundation