Art Spark Texas

Expressions 2020 Exhibition
2020-10-15, 2020-10-22, 2020-10-29
Join us for a virtual art exhibition of artwork by Texas artists with a mental health diagnosis. October 1-30, 2020. This annual exhibition is a celebration of talent during Mental Illness Awareness Week October 4-10, 2020.
Click here to view artwork.
For more information or to purchase artwork, contact April Sullivan at april@artsparktx.org

DE-CRUIT: Virtual Writing Class for Veterans
2020-10-15 19:00 - 20:00, 2020-10-20 19:00 - 20:00, 2020-10-22 19:00 - 20:00, 2020-10-27 19:00 - 20:00, 2020-10-29 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
A Virtual class for veterans. At its core DE-CRUIT, developed by Stephan Wolfert, US Army veteran, is the process of interweaving personal writings with veteran-related Shakespeare texts, applying stage skills for life-skills and completing the communalization of trauma within the veteran community. No Shakespeare or theatre experience necessary.
Register here.
Instructor: Mitchell Stephens
When: Tuesday and Thursday | 7-8pm CST | Starting October 6th
Cost: Free | Space limited
In partnership with Amphibian Stage Productions
Questions? Please contact April, april@artsparktx.org.
If you are interested in supporting our Veterans Programming, please consider making a donation here.

Art Class: Texas Stories Vol. 2
2020-10-16 15:00 - 16:00
This 8 week series will cover historical figures and cultures of Texas. This week, join us for a discussion on Texas Political Legend, Barbara Jordan. Watch our YouTube lesson to learn about Ms. Jordan and create art in her honor. Barbara Jordan was known for her powerful public speaking, and in this week’s art lesson we will use words to create a collage portrait.

Register for Texas Stories Vol 2—click here.
To learn more about Texas Stories, visit our blog article “An Historic Summer with Texas Stories”—click here.

Exhibit: Paws and Claws Pet Portraits
2020-10-18 14:00 - 16:00 | AGE Building, 3710 Cedar Street, Room 101, Austin, TX, 78705, United States
Art Exhibit – Paws and Claws Pet Portraits.
Please join Art Spark Texas and our Portrait Artists for the Paws and Claws Art Pop-up Exhibit this Sunday, October 18th from 2-4:00 PM at the AGE Building back porch area near Rm 101 entrance. Pickup for the Art is 3:30-4:00 PM.
RSVP: april@artsparktx.org
We are looking forward to seeing all of you and taking some photos of you with the Stars of the portraits—your beloved pawed and clawed friends – who are welcome and encouraged to attend this Sunday! We will have some doggie and kitty gift bags for them, too. The exhibit is taking place outside on the back porch of the AGE Building to better provide for good social distancing. There is a grassy, fenced area for your pets. Pets must be on leash at all times. Please bring your own pet clean-up bags.
Sunday, October 18, 2020
AGE Building (back porch), 3707 Home Lane, Austin, TX 78705
Exhibit 2-4:00 PM
Art pickup 3:30-4:00 PM
We will be streaming the event on FB Live. If you prefer not to be filmed, just let us know. Please help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a mask at this event. Thank you.

Meet the Masters: Virtual Art Class for Veterans
2020-10-18 15:00 - 16:00
This Veteran class is open to beginners and anyone wanting to play with art supplies. Learn about famous artists and create your own art based on master works by artists such as Diego Rivera, Andy Warhol and Joseph Cornell.
Art Supplies Provided! We mail the art supplies to you. You watch a video and create the art on your own time. Then join other Veterans on a weekly video chat to share what you learned and created.
Register by contacting April Sullivan at 512-454-9912 or april@artsparktx.org or register using this online form.
“Four Trees” by Egon Schiele

Create Your Story!: Virtual Class for Veterans
2020-10-21 18:30 - 20:00
This class is open Veterans or current service members. Express your story with powerful words and bold colors! Reflect, create and connect to your personal story through freestyle, stream of consciousness style writing exercises. Then, transform your words into images by using a variety of art supplies. Supplies will be mailed to you.
Taught by artist and writer Elizabeth Decker. Join other Veterans by video chat or phone each week for writing and art prompts. This is your chance to play with color and words!
Register by contacting April Sullivan at 512-454-9912 or april@artsparktx.org or register using this online form.

Art Class: Texas Stories Vol. 2 - Mike Capron
2020-10-23 15:00 - 16:00
This 8 week series will cover historical figures and cultures of Texas. This week, join us for a discussion on painting with Texas cowboy folk artist, Mike Capron. Mike is a talented painter that combines his passions of “riding and roping” with art. Watch our YouTube lesson to learn watercolor painting techniques and create a Western Watercolor landscape to share in class.

Register for Texas Stories Vol 2—click here.
To learn more about Texas Stories, visit our blog article “An Historic Summer with Texas Stories”—click here.

Virtual Elements Dance Class
2020-10-24 14:30 - 15:30
Physically Integrated Ballet with Dancing Wheels
Our October 24th virtual Elements Class is taught by the founder of Dancing Wheels Dance Company Mary Verdi-Fletcher, company Artistic Associate Mark Tomasic and Director of Outreach & Community Engagement Sara Lawrence-Sucato who all will lead physically integrated dance class in ballet. Participants will engage in an inclusive dance experience based on the Company’s foundational principles of Translation, Equity, Accessibility, and Meaning.
Topic: October 24th Virtual Elements Dance Class
Time: Oct 24, 2020 02:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Class Fee: sliding scale from $5-20, pay online.

Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime
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Meeting ID: 842 7407 0780
Passcode: [REDACTED]
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Image Description: Dancers with and without disabilities in a ballet class.

Virtual Community Conversations - ATXgo! Parks Roundtable
2020-10-28 19:00 - 20:00
Join us for a Virtual Community Conversation and panel discussion with Art Spark Texas Speaking Advocates members who will discuss their experiences visiting Central Texas parks. Also, Emily Shyrock, MSSW – Art Spark Texas Board President and Director of the UT Austin Services for Students discuss her recent visit to McKinney Falls state park and the new Grit wheelchair rentals.
The roundtable will be led by ATXgo Coordinator Gina Woodruff and Speaking Advocates’ Boye Nagle. Joining the conversation will be moderator Susan Slattery, Director of Outreach.
Virtual Community Conversation
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
7:00 PM-8:00 PM
The Roundtable will be recorded. Captioning available with 48 hours prior notification to outreach@artsparktx.org
Community Conversation – ATXgo and Parks Roundtable
Wed, Oct 21, 2020 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (CDT)
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/748718853
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (646) 749-3122
Access Code: 748-718-853
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/748718853

Virtual Speaking Advocates: Scary Stories
2020-10-31 13:00 - 14:30
The October topic is Scary Stories: Trick or Treat?
Do you have a story related to your disability that was frightening, but now you can see the funny side, or examples of the Trickster in your life, or do you have a story about a time when the fear of something was worse than the experience? Bring your stories to this month’s meeting.
So here we are, still in lockdown. Although some of us have been able to venture out into the world, maybe meet friends, many of us have not. To stay connected, we will continue to meet online.
Join us using computer, tablet or smartphone click this link or by phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3412
One-touch: tel:+18722403412,,375374701#
Access Code: 375-374-701
Email me at Boye@artsparktx.org to learn more.
Learn more: Visit our Facebook group.

Veterans: All Rhythms Virtual Percussion Class
2020-11-01 15:00 - 16:00, 2020-11-08 15:00 - 16:00, 2020-11-15 15:00 - 16:00
This percussion class is Free and open to clients of the Austin Vet Center.
If you are not a current Austin Vet Center client, eligibility requirements are that you are a Combat Veteran or a Veteran who has experienced MST. Please contact the Austin Vet Center at 512-416-1314 for details.
Classes will be virtual through Zoom. You can participate by video
on a desktop, laptop, or mobile device. You can also participate by telephone only.
This weekly virtual music enrichment class utilizes percussion
instruments. Play the drums, pots and pans, found objects, the table, or just your body. Open to beginners and anyone wanting to broaden your understanding and exposure to different styles of music from around the world. Feel free to invite all in your household to join you during the hour!
Led by professional percussionist Ian Fry. Learn more about Ian.
Register for this class by contacting April Sullivan at april@artsparktx.org or call 512-454-9912.
Or use this online form

BBVA Community Exhibition: Art by Ariana Rangel
2020-11-02 09:00 - 17:00, 2020-11-09 09:00 - 17:00, 2020-11-16 09:00 - 17:00 | BBVA Bank, 1912 W Stassney Ln., Austin, Texas, 78745, United States
Artwork by Ariana Rangel is on view from 9 am to 5 pm, Mondays through Fridays at the BBVA Bank on the corner of Stassney and Manchaca as part of Art Spark Texas Community Exhibitions.
(Don’t forget to wear a mask and respect social distancing).

Ariana says: “I am a young artist, illustrator. My devotion for drawing started when I was a little girl. Because most of my drawing techniques have been self-taught my completed works reflect a very personal and unique style. My work can reveal viewpoints about certain topics and issues of life. My work is unique and includes characters that are my own creations. I love to use vibrant colors and love to still-life, cartooning and comics. I also have been creating emotive drawing and exploring expression of different emotions, feelings, and moods.
Lately, I have begun to explore the world of painting. Some of my creation are realistic while others are abstracts. I still love to keep the vibrancy of my colors on this type of creations. I am enjoying my steady growth as an artist.
Despite my diagnosis of Autism, I face every challenge in my life with courage and always strive to do my absolute best. It is my desire to work and make enough money to support myself just like everyone else; any purchase of my artwork gets me one step closer to fulfilling this dream.
Thank you for your support!”
Artwork is for sale. For more information and prices contact April at april@artsparktx.org or 512-454-9912.
Art Spark Texas Community Exhibition featuring Ariana Rangel
Monday – Friday, 9-5pm
November 2, 2020 through January 3, 2021
Stassney BBVA Bank Location – Austin, TX

Songwriting Series: Robert Kelley
2020-11-04 19:00 - 20:00
Join us for the last installment of our fall Community Conversations: Songwriting Workshop Series. We encourage musicians and songwriters of all skill levels to attend! If you are an absolute beginner who aspires to write lyrics or melodies, you will learn some tools and activities to help you get started. Or if you already have a few songs in your repertoire, you’ll gain some new prompts and a space to do more writing, receive constructive feedback, and meet other creatives.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 870 7690 8919
Passcode: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,87076908919#,,,,,,0#,,261234# US (Houston)
+16699006833,,87076908919#,,,,,,0#,,261234# US (San Jose)
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kfiRFlFbU
Email eric@artsparktx.org to be added to our list. Please let us know one week in advance if you need any accommodations.
We are excited to welcome Art Spark 2020 Artist of the Year Robert Kelley to facilitate our third workshop!
Robert Kelley
About Robert Kelley
Robert Kelley formed Blue Mist while attending the University of Texas in Austin. In the 30+ years since, the band has been entertaining diverse audiences with a variety of rhythm & blues, jazz, soul, and popular music. The band has been regulars at central Texas’s most popular nightclubs and performed with various national acts such as Little Milton, Joe Simon, D. Train, The Platters, Pinetop Perkins, grammy-winning R&B group The Manhattans and R&B/hip-hop singer Anthony Hamilton. Five of the group’s six members attended and graduated from the Texas School for the Blind.
ABOUT ART SPARK TEXAS
Art Spark Texas challenges perceptions of how people contribute by creating an arts-inspired, inclusive community of individuals with diverse abilities.
If you enjoy our Community Conversations Songwriting Series, please consider making a Donation today.

VIRTUAL OPEN MIC – THE LION AND PIRATE
2020-11-07 19:00 - 20:30
The Lion & Pirate set off on their next online adventure. Hope you’ll be aboard! We’ll start with our featured reader Jennifer Toon, then it will be your time to shine. As always, we’re open to work in any genre: music, spoken word, improv, skits, storytelling, dance, poems or prose… Anything you can perform!
Accessibility adventure note: we’ll be using Rev for closed captions during the event. As we found last time, Rev isn’t great for music, so we’ll screen share the lyrics of anything musical. You can still see the performer during songs, just follow these instructions for side-by-side screen sharing (and let us know if you have questions)!
Join Zoom with this link
Meeting ID: 853 2311 8334
Password: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,85323118334#,,,,0#,,146923# US (Houston)
+12532158782,,85323118334#,,,,0#,,146923# US (Tacoma)
Our featured reader is criminal justice and mental health advocate Jennifer Toon. Jennifer is a criminal justice and mental health advocate currently working as CTD’s Mental Health Peer Policy Fellow. She anticipates working on two major areas of reform during her fellowship, areas that she is deeply passionate about: Early childhood mental health and school discipline. Jennifer aspires to create policies that lead to better mental health support for kids and eliminates all punitive practices that punish students for behaviors that are manifestations of disability or trauma. Jennifer has studied journalism at U.T. Tyler and The University of Houston. As a freelance writer, she has published work with The Guardian, The Marshall Project and The Tyler Loop.
For the rest of our time we open up our bandwidth for you to share your talents! As always, we’re open to work in any genre: music, spoken word, improv, skits, storytelling, dance, poems or prose… Anything you can perform!
Stay tuned to our Facebook Page for updates.
Don’t forget you can tune in just to connect with your community and give us those “clap” reacts.
Performers Sign-up here
There will be 10 sign up slots. We ask that you sign up ahead of time. Any sign-ups after 10 will be held on a backup list. Sign up is open from today through Noon on Friday.
While we have sorely missed having our event in our amazing original host venue Malvern Books, we are glad to be able to continue our open mic in a virtual space. Until our open mic can return to our favorite bookstore, you can support Malvern Books by purchasing a selection of their books online through BookShop.

Distinguished Artist Veterans 11th Annual Exhibition
2020-11-11, 2020-11-18
Art Spark Texas and Texas Folklife are pleased to announce the virtual opening of the Distinguished Artist Veterans Exhibition.

About the Exhibit
This exhibition is the eleventh annual Distinguished Artist Veterans juried exhibit of work by veterans from across Texas who served from the mid-1950s to the present, representing all military branches.
This virtual exhibit and audio stories that accompany the work offer various viewpoints about the world through our Texas Veterans’ eyes and voices. Their paintings, photographs, drawings, sculptures, and mixed media reflect the artists’ military and life experience and creativity. For more information, visit www.artsparktx.org and www.texasfolklife.org.
The virtual exhibit will launch on Veteran’s Day, November 11th, at bit.ly/31NY3gM.

Veteran Artists
Twenty-one veteran artists from thirteen cities across Texas have been selected to showcase their pieces in this exhibit:
Austin: Logan Lopez – United States Army, 2008-2016
Copperas Cove: Kathleen Conway – United States Army Sergeant, 1983-1990. Rick Hoppe – United States Army, 1975-1995.
Fort Hood: Peter J Buotte – United States Army, 1989 – 2016.
Fort Worth: Michelle L Johnson – United States Army, 2005-2013. SiNaCa Studios, Veteran 1 – United States Army, United States Navy. SiNaCa Studios, Group Collaboration – United States Army, United States Navy. Burl Washington – United States Army 1971-73.
Georgetown: Judith Estrada Garcia – United States Marine Corps, 1982-2007. Wes Odell – United States Army, 1954-1957.
Harwood: Denise Knebel – United States Air Force/CM Sergeant, 1981-2004.
Killeen: Will Smith – United States Army.
Round Rock: Ricardo Robles – United States Navy, 2006-2012. Glenn R Towery – United States Navy, 1969-1971.
Salado: Shelly Watson – United States Army, 2005-2013.
San Antonio: John Garland III – United States Air Force, 1974-2005. Ruth L McIntosh – United States Air Force, 1982-1991. Wayne L Stevens – United States Army, 1975-1978.
San Marcos: Terry McDowell – US Marine Corps, 1988-1992; US Army, 2004-2016.
Sunset: Dr. Carl G Lilly – United States Navy, 1965-1969.
Texarkana: Thomas Morrissey – United States Army, 1969-1971.

Austin Studio Tour
The Austin Studio Tour 2020 is a free, self-guided art event that combines the East Austin Studio Tour and West Austin Studio Tour. Austin Studio Tour provides opportunities for artists all over Austin to connect and for the public to experience art in creative virtual ways and socially distanced outdoor spaces. While artist studios are at the core of Big Medium’s studio tours, this event is also inclusive of all forms of artistic practice, creation, performance, and exhibition. The Distinguished Artist Veterans exhibit will be available to view on the Austin Studio Tour 2020 site on November 14th.

About Art Spark Texas
Art Spark Texas challenges perceptions of how people contribute by creating an arts-inspired, inclusive community of individuals with diverse abilities. We started services specifically for veterans with disabilities/wounded warriors in 2009. We provide opportunities year-round for creative veterans to get involved in the arts.

About Texas Folklife
Texas Folklife is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to the presentation and preservation of the diverse cultures and living heritage of the Lone Star State. Since 1984, Texas Folklife has honored the cultural traditions passed down within communities, explored their importance in contemporary society, and celebrated them by providing accessible and joyful arts experiences.

Holiday Art & Gift Show Reimagined
2020-11-11, 2020-11-16
Curated Art and Art Party Boxes
On sale now! This year we have reinvented our annual Holiday Art and Gift Show into a fun and easy virtual shopping experience! All of which can be done from the comfort of your home while still supporting Art Spark Texas and our talented Texas Artists. You’re going to love this! There are four fantastic ways for you to shop for everyone on your list, including yourself.

Curated Art Box (on sale through Dec 21)

On sale through March 31, 2021:

Art Party in a Box
Art Projects in a Box
Pet Portraits

Curated by the Art Spark Texas team, each Curated Art Box reflects the talent and diverse abilities of our Artists. We hand-selected artwork and curated the boxes ready for pickup or shipping out to you, or to your friends and family. There’s wonderful surprises and gifts for everyone on your list in each box! Earrings for your niece, a scarf for Dad, a fragrant candle for your boss – the contents of each box are sure to please. Gift yourself, or surprise your best friend with an entire box! The price is right, at just $50, for a selection of Art valued at more.
Art Spark Artists are ready to commission your Pet Portraits this season (with a fun added twist for the holidays) so, place your order soon. Shipping is also available.
Start shopping here today and we can have your gifts and Art Box selections ready for you before Thanksgiving if you need them for early delivery. The last day for pickup of your items and boxes for holiday gift-giving is Monday, December 21st.

Questions? Contact our Director of Programs, April Sullivan at april@artsparktx.org.

Virtual Elements Dance Class
2020-11-14 14:30 - 15:30
Take a deep dive into the rigor, and the joy, of the Full Radius Dance physically integrated (dancers with and without disabilities) modern dance technique. Join Douglas Scott and Laurel Lawson as they lead you through a class that discusses the intent of the movement, what muscle groups are used, and how it can be executed by different embodiments – seated on the floor, seated in a chair, or standing.
Topic: November 14th Virtual Elements Dance Class
Time: 2:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Class Fee: sliding scale from $5-20, pay online.
Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 842 7407 0780
Passcode: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,87876069244# US (Houston)
+16699006833,,87876069244# US (San Jose)
Find your local number.

Virtual Community Conversations: Skye Howell
2020-11-18 19:00 - 20:00
Join us for a Community Conversation on Wednesday, November 18 (7-8:00 PM CT) about honoring Native American Heritage: Beyond the Land Acknowledgement and Diversity months. We will have a conversation with Skye Howell, MEd, CTRS, Potawatomi/Ottawa, (she/hers) Native American advocate, restorative educator and author. She will share the significance of offering a Land Acknowledgement and what it means to move beyond and truly honor Native Americans in our community, culture and arts.

Skye Howell is a White Native woman who was detribalized when her father was removed from their Native family and community at the age of 5. She is a proud Austin ISD parent of a first grader, a circle keeper and anti-racist educator who advocates for Educational Equity regardless of race, ability level, gender, sexual orientation, religion or other differences. She uses art, music, literature and movement to curate spaces of healing and restoration in her community.
The Roundtable is free to attend and will be recorded. We use the GoToMeeting app, please consider downloading the app now.
Captioning available with 48 hours prior notification to outreach@artsparktx.org
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. Click here to join the meeting.
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Access Code: 492-813-965
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts. Click here to install the app.
Questions? Contact Susan Slattery, susan@artsparktx.org
