Art Spark Texas began 30 years ago with a simple but transformative idea: everyone deserves access to the arts. Founded in 1996 as Access Arts Austin, the organization's earliest work focused on providing audio description for people who are blind or have low vision. Over time, that commitment to access expanded into programs, partnerships, and possibilities. Along the way, Access Arts Austin became VSA Texas and eventually evolved into Art Spark Texas.
As we celebrate our 30th year in 2026, we're sharing an evolving collection of stories that explores our origins and growth.
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a story of leadership at art spark texas: Celia Hughes
Celia Hughes has built a career defined by one consistent throughline: access to the arts is for everyone. As Executive Director of Art Spark Texas, Hughes has spent […]
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theresa zelazney & the origins of mobile art
“The art activities help to restore self-esteem, build friendships, and increase cognitive skills that can lead to an overall stabilization in health.” – Theresa Z. Mobile Art Beginnings […]
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Terry Galloway & ACTUAl Lives
Terry Galloway & Actual Lives Austin For Terry Galloway, it was inevitable that she would work with Art Spark Texas. At the intersection of directing, acting, and disability, […]
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CHRIS STRICKLING & ACTUAL LIVES
By John Mohler A Chance Meeting That Started It All In the late 90s, University of Texas graduate student Chris Strickling met an interesting new classmate. Terry Galloway, […]
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Betty SIEGEL & Access Arts Austin: Art Spark Texas Beginnings
A Vision for Access Thirty years ago, Betty Siegel had a simple vision. She wanted to see more accessible cultural spaces in Austin, Texas. From that vision grew […]
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30 Stories, 30 Years: April Sullivan
Art Spark Texas is 30 years old in 2026, and I am proud to say I have been a cog in this beautiful machine for all thirty years. […]
