Watchung Native Featured in International Exhibit

Vista Life Innovations member Cara Sprouls, a Watchung native, is one of nine artists whose work is featured in the “Unspoken Words: Works by Autistic Artists” exhibit in Bethlehem, New Hampshire.

A collaboration between 42 Maple Contemporary Art Center and Autism Speaks, “Unspoken Words” opened April 1 and aims to celebrate the talents of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The inaugural exhibit, which coincides with National Autism Awareness Month, includes works by artists of all ages from the United States and Canada. The exhibit runs through May 2.

Vista Arts Specialist Samantha Listorti, who works with Cara in Vista’s Connect Through Art program, submitted three of Cara’s original drawings for consideration after she received an email from Autism Speaks calling for art.

“Cara’s artwork displays a strong sense of color and design,” Samantha said. “Her artwork really speaks to me. I find it to be very charming.”

All three of Cara’s drawings were accepted into the exhibit, a fact that makes her “proud” and “happy.”

A resident of Clinton, Conn., Cara said she has been drawing since childhood. Now, at 30, it’s one of her favorite activities. Her talent was recognized at an early age by an elementary school art teacher who informed her parents that she could be a professional colorist.

Cara has been a member of the Vista program for 10 years. Before coming to Vista, she attended Watchung Hills Regional High School.

With three campuses along the Connecticut shoreline, Vista Life Innovations is a nationally accredited community-based education program for individuals with disabilities. For more information, visit www.vistalifeinnovations.org.