The Iaedp Foundation Kicks Off Second Annual Body Image Mannequin Art Competition

Online, December 7, 2011 (Newswire.com) - The International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals Foundation (iaedp) is proud to present its Second Annual "Imagine Me Beyond What You See" Body Image Mannequin Art Competition created in 2010 to promote healthy awareness and acceptance of body images. The competition incorporates mannequins to help create a unique and realistic palette for artistic expression.

Entries are accepted from October 1, 2011 through January 15, 2012 and are judged on clarity of theme, creativity and originality, quality of composition and design, and the overall impression and presentation. Judges include Art Therapist and member of the American Art Therapy Association Michelle Dean, Artists and Publishers of Gurze Books Leigh and Lindsey Cohn, Drama Therapist Carol Dietrich, iaedp President and psychodrama expert Mary Bellofatto, and renowned photographic fine artist Fritz Liedtke.

The contest is open to everyone, however iaedp encourages treatment centers and private practices with art therapists to work with patients to provide entries. Mixed media may be used and mannequins can be male or female forms in different body shapes and sizes. Entries must be electronically submitted to iaedp™ using photographs in jpeg format, high (200+) resolution files for enlargement, photos showing 4 different angles, and agree to sign an artist release. The winner will be spotlighted at the 2012 Annual Symposium in Charleston, SC, and their artwork auctioned with proceeds going towards the iaedp Foundation.

Last year's national competition attracted nine entries from eating disorders residents in treatment centers and private practice groups, along with artists in recovery, ranging from high school students to adults. The entries were compelling and reflected the moving stories and triumphant journeys of its artists. iaedp's 2011 winning mannequin, "Erosion," was created by college art student and recovering eating disorders client Rebecca Tishman. The First Runner-up mannequin "I Am A Soul with a Body" was created by residents of the Eating Recovery Center, and the Honorable Mention and Professional's Choice mannequin "Hear Me, Please" was created by Sara Burchfiel.

In an effort to assist middle, high school, and college counselors in educating and engaging students about eating disorders and healthy body image, iaedp expanded its competition into a Traveling Exhibition displaying nine poster images of 2011 entries and most recently a 19 minute short film called "Imagine Me" spotlighting the 2011 mannequin entrants accompanied by narration describing each artists' personal journey depicted through their artistic expression.

About iaedp:
Established in 1985, iaedp is recognized for its excellence in providing education and training standards to an international multidisciplinary group of healthcare treatment providers who treat the full spectrum of eating disorder problems, from anorexia to bulimia to binge eating and obesity. The organization offers a rigorous certification process for those who wish to receive specialized credentials in their work with people with eating disorders. For more information about iaedp, visit www.iaedp.com

Media Contact: Blanche Williams
Imagine Me Coordinator
[email protected]
202-497-4564