Create Chart on Dashboard from external Data

I have a decent understand of Drupal and how to administer it, but I am not very good with anything custom so I am looking for a module or a set of modules to help me.

I have a external database that I would like to connect to. (Already have a DSN configured.) How to I:
1. Connect Drupal to that external database?
2. Create some charts with that data?
3. Display those Charts and Data in a dashboard?

I would assume I would need to create a widget in the dashboard module, but as for the rest I am not sure.

Thank you for any help or guidance you can provide.