Northeast Arc's 4th Annual Spring Market Featuring Products From Entrepreneurs with Disabilities or Autism

Northeast Arc, a not-for-profit organization that helps children and adults with disabilities and autism become full participants in the community, will host its 4^th annual Spring Market just in time for Mother’s Day shopping

On Saturday, May 2nd, Northeast Arc will host a Spring Market located in the main hallway of Liberty Tree Mall outside of parcels. The market, taking place from 10:00am - 2:00pm, will feature artists and entrepreneurs with disabilities or autism selling their products. This market will feature unique handman and home-grown items, including indoor and outdoor plants, hummus, cakes, cookies, fine art (cards and prints), photography, jewelry, candles, soaps, t-shirts, hats, blankets, pottery, wooden home goods, toys, games, and puzzles, Some artists whose work is on sale in parcels will also be showcasing and selling items that are not available in the store.

This market is important for the 46 artists with disabilities and autism who are participating for several reasons, including:

• Many artists and entrepreneurs with disabilities and autism are not able to participate in similar type markets, primarily due to the length of time those markets operate. An eight-hour market plus the time to pack vehicle, set up, and take down items can be overwhelming.
• By not being able to participate in markets, these artists have a harder time attracting new customers and selling their work.
• This market is designed to increase accessibility by:
• Removing cost barriers. Artists do not have to pay to participate, and they keep 100% of their sales
• Providing a shorter timeframe
• Providing tables and chairs for vendors to limit what they need to bring on site

“The Spring Market is the perfect place to shop for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and teacher gifts while supporting people with disabilities and autism,” said Tim Brown, Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer, Northeast Arc.

A highlight of the Spring Market includes the following musical performances: Spectrum of Sound, by the Flutie Foundation (10:30am); ETC All Star Dance, by Till, Inc. (Noon); Frankie Bonsignore (1:00pm), and DJ Jazzy Jacob spinning tunes throughout the day.