Companions on a Journey - Donation of $2,535

July 31, 2024 - First, we want to thank the Gate of Heaven Cemetery for inviting us to be a part of their open house - Honoring Life on Sacred Ground and for commissioning Aaron to paint a spectacular masterpiece.

Next, a big THANK YOU to all those who came out to our BIGGEST event to support not only the cemetery but Aaron’s Art for Autism. We got to share our love of painting and stories about our pieces with so many of you. We really do appreciate each and every one of you that came out to support us!

22 paintings sold and 50% of the proceeds resulted in $2,535 donated to Companions on a Journey (a 501(c)(3) non-profit social service organization that provides ongoing support for bereavement and high school educational teen suicide prevention material), with matching funds from Gate of Heaven, totaling $5,070.

We look forward to seeing you all at our next events!

Gate of Heaven Cemetery - Honoring Life of Sacred Ground - Open House - featuring an art exhibit by Aaron M Strait & Dawn Strait Wallace

July 13-14, 2024 - One of our biggest art exhibitions with over 50 paintings was held at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery's open house, called "Honoring Life on Sacred Ground". 50% of the proceeds with matching funds from Gate of Heaven Cemetery will benefit Companions on a Journey, a non-profit social service organization that provides ongoing support for bereavement and high school teen suicide prevention.

Presentation of $1,150 check to Brewhaus Bakery & Dog Bones

May 15, 2024 - We had a great turnout at the Masterpieces Mother / Son Art Show on April 14th and 50% of the proceeds were donated to Brewhaus Bakery & Dog Bones (a non-profit organization that helps individuals with disabilities have meaningful, learning & work opportunities). Today we visited the Brewhaus Bakery & Dog Bones to present the donation check of $1,150. Milford School Program was on hand as well as Trena Panko and the service dogs (Lady Bird & Buffy).

We are so thankful for all the help and support of the Event Committee, my family and The Saint Mary Magdalene Parish Family for coming out and supporting this wonderful art event.

Thank you again to EVERYONE who took the time out of their Sunday afternoon to come out and support this wonderful event!

Presentation of $2,000 check to Torrington Area Families for Autism (T.A.F.A., Inc)

Thank you to the Roxbury Senior Center for hosting our Mother/Son Duo art exhibit.

Thank you to all those who came to this exhibit to support us during March. We got to meet some of the families with children on the spectrum and are grateful to be able to help them along this life journey! With the support of the community for Aaron’s Art for Autism has allowed us to donate 50% of our sales to the Torrington Area Families for Autism (T.A.F.A. Inc) a donation of $2,000 to support their center.

Roxbury Senior Center's Art Display featuring mother/son duo from Cincinnati, OH

March 2024 - In recognition of Autism Awareness month in April, the Roxbury Senior Center’s Art on Display program featured this mother / son duo from Cincinnati, Ohio from March 4th through March 31st. Dawn Strait Wallace and Aaron M Strait are the sister and nephew of Roxbury resident, Estelle Mackenzie. Speaking about Aaron’s art, his Aunt Estelle comments, “Aarons’ works never fail to make me smile! His paintings reflects that he sees the world as a joyful, happy place, full of hope, whether he is portraying a scene from nature or a cityscape. I love being drawn into his world!” Aaron says that painting feels, “relaxing and calm”. The talented artists plan to donate a portion of their sales from this exhibit to the Torrington Area Families for Autism (T.A.F.A., Inc).