Art Spark Texas

Professional Learning with Dr. Tina Curran
2024-12-14 15:00 - 17:30 (America/Chicago) | Rosedale School, 7505 Silvercrest Drive, Austin, TX, 78757, United States
Professional Learning with Dr. Tina Curran, December 14th 3-5.30pm in person.

In this professional learning workshop with Dr. Tina Curran participants go through a creative dance lesson experience, deconstruct it through reflection, and introduce backward design and provide a template for lesson planning that participants can use.

The lesson will include Language of Dance which has been useful for English Language Learners and mixed ability learners.

Dr. Tina Curran is the director of UTeach Dance at the Department of Theatre and Dance. She oversees the preparation and professional mentorship of students in the B.F.A. in Dance: Dance Studies Optionpursuing their Texas dance teacher certification, acts as a liaison with the College of Education and oversees educational initiatives within the program and in the dance education community. Her areas of research explore dance literacy, living dance legacy and teacher preparation and professional development. Dr. Curran is a co-founder, with Ann Hutchison Guest, of the Language of Dance Center (USA). She conducts LOD certification courses and workshops nationally and internationally. She is a faculty member of the Dance Education Laboratory at the Harkness Dance Center in New York City where she offered courses in the Language of Dance, Dancing History/Living Legacy, topics in dance pedagogy, and transformational teaching. She has facilitated training, presented workshops and given interactive keynotes at numerous locations including the University of California Santa Barbara, Brigham Young University, New York University, Royal Academy of Dance and Roehampton University in the United Kingdom, Taipei National University of the Arts, El Centro Nationale des les Arts in Mexico City, New York City Department of Education, National Dance Education Organization, Dance and the Child International, International Council of Kinetography Laban, Dance History Scholars, Center for Educator Development in Fine Arts, Texas Dance Educators Association.
Dr. Curran received a B.F.A. in Dance from The Juilliard School, an M.F.A. in Choreographic Theory and Practice from Southern Methodist University and a Ph.D. in Teaching and Administration from New York University. Her certifications include: Language of Dance Certification Specialist, Teacher of Labanotation and American Ballet National Training Curriculum.

Women Veterans Strong
2025-01-11 08:00 - 09:00
A virtual group for women vets to connect, create, and converse.
We are reading The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron and meeting once a month to discuss each chapter.
Starts September 14th.
Two options: Meet either second Saturdays from 8-9 am or second Wednesdays from noon-1 pm.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83168620735?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 831 6862 0735
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Veteran Writing Workshop: Writing in Harmony: The Collective Voice in Fiction
2025-02-08 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
Characters in stories are not always confined to solitary existences. They exist in groups, in congregated masses, in what we might term as collectives.
These collectives might be construction workers, or a platoon of soldiers, or a classroom filled with twelfth-graders. They might be a grocery co-op, or a neighborhood social group, or even a barrel of monkeys or a pride of lions. In this session, we will generate fiction that gives narrative voice to a collective within a story while showing how a single, articulate murmur might emerge from this group consciousness. Register today! Open to all skill levels. Free for current and prior military members. Register at Eventbrite
Taught by Clayton Bradshaw-Mittal.
Clayton (they/them) is a queer, previously unhoused veteran who holds an MFA and a PhD in Creative Writing. They teach Creative Writing at Gannon University and are the Managing Editor of New Ohio Review and No Place is Foreign Editor at Another Chicago Magazine.

The Lion & Pirate - Virtual Writing Group
2025-03-02 13:00 - 14:30 | Virtual
For our March gathering, we’re going to try writing together!”
🗓️ **When**: Sunday, March 2nd, 2025
🕖 **Time**: 1:00 – 2:30 PM CDT
Here is what our first-ever writers’ group will look like:

Get settled and say hi to everyone (like usual).
Laura will screen share and read a couple of writing prompts.
Time for questions.
Free write for 30 minutes (it will go faster than you think)!
Read us what you wrote or tell us about your experience (only if you want to)!
Debrief: how was this? What worked? What do you want to see done differently next time?

In the interest of keeping things accessible to all, we’ll be very interested to find out how we can use the virtual space to accommodate everyone. So please, fill out the form below, or get in touch any time to let us know what you need to write comfortably in this space.
Let us know you are coming: Here
If you have any questions, please email Laura at lperna@txdisabilities.org
PLEASE NOTE: Zoom link for Sunday’s event here

Spring Break Photography Internship
2025-03-17 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-03-18 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-03-19 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-03-20 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-03-21 10:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Spring Break Photography Internship
March 17-21st, 10am-2pm (ages 15-22)
Art Spark Texas is looking for young adults with disabilities interested in our photography internship! To be considered participants should apply by March 1, have 1 reference letter and a strong interest in Photography. Once chosen, those students who complete the entire 20 hour internship will receive a $50 stipend. Limited space is available!
Application Here

Storytelling through Animation
2025-03-29 10:00 - 12:30, 2025-04-05 10:00 - 12:30, 2025-04-12 10:00 - 12:30, 2025-04-19 10:00 - 12:30, 2025-04-26 10:00 - 12:30, 2025-05-03 10:00 - 12:30 | Art Spark Texas offices, 1152 San Bernard Street, Austin, TX, 78702, United States
Saturdays, March 29th – May 3rd (10-12:30 pm)

(6 weeks) Explore storytelling through Stop-Motion Animation. This program is developed for students with intellectual disabilities that want to learn more about animation, while also developing their story writing skills. The 6-week course is built on a step-by-step structure that supports artists along each step in the production process. With each class, students will learn the next step in production and then use those skills to further develop their stories. From writing, to storyboarding, to drawing and animating, our goal is to provide students with all the tools to continue making animation long after our class is over. As their final project each student will create a short animated video that tells the story they developed in class.

Register here
Class 1: Introduction to Animation and Equipment
Class 2: Pre-production: Writing your story and storyboarding
Class 3: Production: Building the visual elements of your story
Class 4: Animating: Motion and bringing your story to life
Class 5: Post-production: Editing and recording audio
Class 6: Final screening

Fun with Phone Photography and Cyanotype
2025-04-05 10:00 - 13:00 | Patriot’s Hall, 231 Patriots Hall Blvd, Dripping Springs, 78620, United States
FUN WITH PHONE PHOTOGRAPHY AND CYANOTYPE
Saturday, April 5 · 10am – 1pm CDT
Instructor: Anthony Maddaloni
https://www.instagram.com/eastsidesilverprint/

Join us at the Patriots’ Hall in Dripping Springs for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn how to take amazing photos with your phone and create unique cyanotypes, or sun prints! Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this event is perfect for Veterans and their families looking to unleash their creativity. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to have fun, learn new skills, and meet fellow photography enthusiasts. See you there! for Veterans and their families
*Children welcome with adult supervision.
Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fun-with-phone-photography-and-cyanotype-tickets-1255803826049?aff=oddtdtcreator
For more information call 512-454-9912

REFLECTIONS: Veterans Self-care, Nature, and Creativity
2025-04-12 09:00 - 12:00 | Woodlawn Island House, 501 S. Josephine Tobin, San Antonio, 78201, United States
REFLECTIONS: Veterans Self-care, Nature, and Creativity

Woodlawn Lake Park
Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 9:00 AM -Noon CDT

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reflections-veterans-self-care-nature-and-creativity-tickets-1267791511539?aff=oddtdtcreator

Earth Tones - Palo Duro Canyon State Park
2025-05-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 11450 Park Road 5, Canyon, 79015, United States
Earth Tones – Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Saturday, May 17 · 10am – 12pm CDT
Palo Duro Drive, Canyon, TX 79015
Welcome to Earth Tones at Palo Duro Canyon State Park! Join us for a day filled with art and nature at the beautiful Tasajillo Pavilion. Immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings of the park while enjoying a Watercolor painting workshop with Summer Balcer. Open to all Veterans and family members (Active and Retired)Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with nature and experience the magic of Palo Duro Canyon. See you there!
Instructor Summer’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/summerb943/

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/earth-tones-at-palo-duro-canyon-state-park-tickets-1258655084239?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Women Veterans Art in Nature Workshop
2025-05-17 10:00 - 14:00 | Green Trees Farm, 2520 Rock Road, Troy, 76579
WOMEN VETERANS ART IN NATURE WORKSHOP, May 17th 10-2pm

Join Art Spark Texas and Help Heal Vets at Green Trees Farm for a special Women Veterans Art in Nature Workshop! Connect with fellow women veterans in a serene outdoor setting to unleash your creativity. This workshop is designed to inspire and empower you through the Grace Trail, Horses, Art and Journaling. No prior art experience needed – just bring your enthusiasm! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to relax, create, and connect with like-minded individuals. We can’t wait to see you there!

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/women-veterans-art-in-nature-workshop-tickets-1255875089199?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Elements Dance Class
2025-05-17 14:00 - 16:00 | Rosedale School, 7505 Silvercrest Drive, Austin, TX, 78757, United States
Elements is once a month all-abilities dance class taking place on the 3rd Saturday of the month from 2-4 pm. It is open to everyone, with or without disabilities, to explore and develop their own movement style. Led by professional dance educators, the class offers a welcoming and supportive environment where you can discover the joy of dance.

In this class, we will be studying dance improvisation— a structured form of movement that is less technically rigid. Improvisation allows dancers to explore and create in the moment. Movement material will be developed through creative explorations, including body mapping using levels, shapes, and dynamic frameworks and our everyday life topics.

The goal is to empower you to find your own language of movement, embracing your individuality and creativity. Whether you’re new to dance or have years of experience, everyone is welcome, and no prior knowledge or experience is needed. Join us to move, connect, and enjoy dance in a space where all are valued.

The class fee is sliding $5-20 but no one is turned away because of lack of funds. No registration needed.

The Lion & Pirate - Virtual Writing Group
2025-06-07 19:00 - 20:30 | Virtual
Join us for our Lion and Pirate writers group
🗓️ **When**: Saturday, June 7th, 2025
🕖 **Time**: 7:00 – 8:30 PM CDT

Get settled and say hi to everyone (like usual).
Laura will screen share and read a couple of writing prompts.
Time for questions.
Free write for 30 minutes (it will go faster than you think)!
Read us what you wrote or tell us about your experience (only if you want to)!
Debrief: how was this? What worked? What do you want to see done differently next time?

If you have any questions, please email Laura at lperna@txdisabilities.org
PLEASE NOTE: Zoom link for event here
