Visually impaired artists to be honoured

WHAT: Passionate Focus 2005 -- Juried exhibition of artwork of blind and visually impaired artists from around the country. Sponsored by Chicago's Guild for the Blind.

WHEN: Artists Reception and Silent Auction Thursday, September 15, 2005, 5 - 9 pm. The exhibition continues through November 13, 2005.

WHO: If people who are blind can be artists, what else can they do if given the opportunity and support? Passionate Focus is a reflection of the spirit embodied in all the programs offered at the Guild for the Blind, including: -- Career training to stem the 70% unemployment rate among the blind and visually impaired, and -- "New Visions," a program to help the one in six people over age 65 who develop vision loss due to macular degeneration. Representatives from the Guild for the Blind will be present, as well as several local featured artists.

WHERE: The Gallery of the Fourth Presbyterian Church, Michigan Avenue at Delaware Place and Chestnut Avenue, Chicago.

COST: $100 per person. Tickets are available at the door.