Press Release from A Little Compassion

Typically, you can find artists such as Murray Newton, Molly Faulkner, Abbey Weiss, and their artwork at The Possibilities Boutique at The Nest Coffee House in Deep River. Recently, however, these artists traveled with their artworks to participate in the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism’s Shop the Spectrum event hosted at its music festival, Stars of the Spectrum, in Quincy, Massachusetts.

Stars of the Spectrum and Shop the Spectrum featured autistic artists at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Aug. 3, welcoming hundreds of people to a star-studded music and art extravaganza. This was the first time these three local artists participated in such a big event and sold their wares to such a massive crowd at a large venue.

The process of getting these Connecticut artists to the event was months in the making and included grants, zoom calls, nearly 100 emails and, of course, the creation of the art. The excitement among the participants was palpable. On Aug. 2, Newton hurried back and forth from his house to The Nest, bringing in boxes and boxes of his wooden puzzles and carvings. Staff members Patrick Gazda and Rich Wills helped Newton carefully organize his items which he was so excited to sell the next day.

“I was, like, almost overwhelmed. At around 5 o'clock, I looked at my table and noticed that I had a lot of my puzzles gone. I made a lot of sales!" Newton said the day after the event. “I had one customer come to me, and he bought a puzzle. He asked me if I do custom orders, like logos. And I said, ‘Yes.’ That's when I found out he worked for a radio station. He ordered 15! He's going to come pick them up, and he wants to do a live interview for broadcast."

Working with Essex Limousine and The Flutie Foundation, The Nest was able to send three artists; their art and crafts; and Gazda, their program coordinator; to the event.

"Essex Limousine was honored to be a part of such a wonderful event within our community and enjoyed working with A Little Compassion [at The Nest] to help make it a very special day,” said company employee Elise Handy.

Gazda, who was there to assist when needed, felt proud to see all three artists shine while displaying their artworks at the event.

"I loved watching our Possibilities Boutique artists soar at Shop the Spectrum,” Gazda said. “Festival attendees were captivated by their friendly approach and excellent crafting skills. Our artists loved the concert and energy and were undoubtedly central to it."

The Nest's artists had a very successful day at Shop the Spectrum. In a single day, they made more sales than they often do in a month. They also grew in their professional experience by presenting their hard work to a massive crowd. The confidence they gained and the experience of the camaraderie involved with this event are things which they will not soon forget.

The Nest is a flagship program of A Little Compassion, a small non-profit located in Deep River which supports and empowers neurodivergent people and their families.