‘Art For Autism’ Now On Display At The Blue Z

J. Tyler Fovel, a behavior analyst working to help schools throughout Connecticut create programs for children with autism and related disabilities, was ready on Friday, July 9, for the opening reception of his exhibition of photographs, “Art for Autism,” at Blue Z Coffee House.

“I’ve been a serious photographer for 20 years but I haven’t done a lot of shows,” said Mr Fovel, “but this was a way to put two important sides of my personality together.”

The roughly 20 photographs, arranged by A-Z Museum Services, will be on display through July 31 at the coffeehouse.

Mr Fovel said in a recent press release that many of his students are strongly visually oriented.

“The artist side of me can appreciate how they can be so fascinated with light, lines, colors, and shapes. I am too,” he said.  

Mr Fovel explained that sometimes visual sensations in children with autism can dominate and often inhibit learning through other senses and lead to deficits in language and social development. 

“We try to help our students become more aware and skilled with all types of input from the environment,” he said.

The photographs are available for purchase, with the artist’s profits going to charity. Photo subjects range from boats to street markets.

 “I love color and finding the beauty in unique perspectives especially with lots of details,” said Mr Fovel. “I have pictures from exotic locations as well as the old horse barn down the street. But they all have to have something special that stops me and draws me into looking, time after time.”  

Mr Fovel and his wife, who live in Rockport, Mass., are both photographers. More information on their work is available at strategic-alternatives.com/jtphotography. 

The Blue Z, at 127 South Main Street (Route 25) in Newtown, is open daily.