Speaking Advocates with Tyler Gobble
2020-12-05 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | TX
Speaking Advocates end-of-year special event. Join us for a conversation with past instructors on Saturday, December 5 and 12, 1-2pm CT.
Once Was Someone Else & Still Am. (December 5)
In this talk, poet, collagist, and podcaster Tyler Gobble shares his journey of struggling with bipolar disorder, managing through making, and finding purpose in the stories of others.
This virtual conversation will be held on Zoom.
Zoom Meeting Link: Click here to join.
Meeting ID: 827 7253 2112
Passcode: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile +13462487799,,82772532112#,,,,,,0#,,871861# US (Houston)
+12532158782,,82772532112#,,,,,,0#,,871861# US (Tacoma)
Dial by your location
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 827 7253 2112
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Find your local number

Virtual Open Mic - The Lion & Pirate
2020-12-06 13:00 - 14:30 | TX
The Lion & Pirate set off on our final online adventure of 2020. Sunday, December 6. Hope you’ll be aboard!
The Lion & Pirate is an inclusive, open mic for writers, performers and acoustic musicians. Sign up to perform by noon December 5.
We’ll start with a featured reader is former Speaking Advocates instructor Tyler Gobble, 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! 2020 was one like no other and it has given us plenty of artistic fodder and inspiration, show us your favorite work of the year.
To perform sign up here by noon December 5.
For more details and visit our facebook page Lion and Pirate Facebook Page. Zoom link to event to be posted at later date.

Veterans: All Rhythms Virtual Percussion Class
2020-12-06 15:00 - 16:00, 2020-12-13 15:00 - 16:00 | TX
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

Holiday Art & Gift Show Reimagined
2020-12-07, 2020-12-14, 2020-12-21, 2020-12-28, 2021-01-04 | TX
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.

Registration now open: Speaking Advocate Training Program
2020-12-07, 2020-12-14, 2020-12-21 | TX
2021 New Speaking Advocate Training Program. Now you can invite friends from all over Texas These classes are an updated online version of our Opening Minds, Opening Doors (OMOD) public speaker training program for adults with disabilities. We combine the art of storytelling with public speaking skills, so our speakers can bring their stories to the general public and challenge misconceptions about what it means to live with a disability. The new program will include training to participate in creating content and producing our new podcast to be launched in 2021.
Click here for link to 2021 Program registration A shout out to Texas State Independent Living Council (Texas SILC) for their generous support in this effort.

BBVA Community Exhibition: Art by Ariana Rangel
2020-12-07 09:00 - 17:00, 2020-12-14 09:00 - 17:00, 2020-12-21 09:00 - 17:00, 2020-12-28 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

Distinguished Artist Veterans 11th Annual Exhibition
2020-12-09, 2020-12-16, 2020-12-23, 2020-12-30 | TX
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.

Speaking Advocates with Eric Clow
2020-12-12 13:00 - 14:00 | TX
Speaking Advocates end-of-year special event. Join us for a conversation with past instructors on Saturday, December 5 and 12, 1-2pm CT.
Self-Care is Self-Advocacy (December 12)
Former OMOD Coordinator Eric Clow will explore the healing aspects of his journaling, poetry, and meditation practices, and how they relate to his broader self-care routines and advocacy.
This virtual conversation will be held on Zoom.
Zoom Meeting Link: Click here to join.
Meeting ID: 827 7253 2112
Passcode: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile +13462487799,,82772532112#,,,,,,0#,,871861# US (Houston)
+12532158782,,82772532112#,,,,,,0#,,871861# US (Tacoma)
Dial by your location
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 827 7253 2112
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Find your local number
Writing poetry during quarantine

Elements Class: End of Year Get Together!
2020-12-12 14:30 - 16:30 | TX
On December 12th we will gather from 2.30-4.3opm CT on zoom to watch “Artificial Things” and honor the memory and legacy of Dave Toole. We will also discuss about creativity, the coming year and what is happening with Art Spark Dance and Body Shift Collective as well as dancing, of course. Feel free to join us if you are new to our dance class. This is a great way to learn more about this program.
You can join this virtually in the link below.
Let’s get together and connect!
Time: December 12th 2020, 2.30-4.30pm CT
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 842 7407 0780
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Class is free.

Virtual Open Mic - The Lion & Pirate
2021-01-02 19:00 - 20:30 | TX
The Lion & Pirate in 2021 inclusive, open mic for writers, performers and acoustic musicians invites you to join us Saturday, January 2, 2021 at 7pm. Sponsored by Art Spark Texas and the Pen 2 Paper Creative Writing Contest. Organizers also include Malvern Books and the Coalition of Texans Disabilities.
Performers
We want to hear your creative visions and wishes. Do you have a message of hope for the world or new project you need a friendly place to share? There are 10 slots available and a waiting list. Performers: click here to sign-up by midnight on the preceding day.
As always, we’re open to work in any genre: music, spoken word, improv, skits, storytelling, dance, poems or prose… Anything you can perform! 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 .
RSVP, invite friends, and stay tuned for event updates on our Facebook Page. You can tune in just to connect with your community and give us those “clap” reactions.
How to Join the Open Mic
Here is the link to join the Virtually Lion & Pirate Open Mic as a Performer or Guest.
Save this Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85323118334
Meeting ID: 853 2311 8334
Password: [REDACTED]
For more details and visit our Lion and Pirate Facebook page.
Questions? mail Ms. Boye or call 512-454-9912
if you need more information or help signing up.
This event will include live captioning. Please contact Art Spark in advance to request other accommodations.
Thank you for donating and supporting Art Spark Texas Speaking Advocates Program and the Pen 2 Paper Creative Writing Contest.

For Sale: Valentine’s Day Art Boxes
2021-01-25, 2021-02-01 | TX
A surprise visit from Cupid will create a magical day for you and your loved ones! Our Valentine’s Curated Art Box is crafted with love and full of delightful things, including Sweet Treats from Cupid himself! We have hand-selected artwork and curated the boxes ready for pickup or shipping out to you, or to your family and special friends.
There are wonderful surprises inside each box: Paintings, jewelry and other wearables, fragrant candles, bath bombs and more – the contents of each box are sure to please! Each box comes with a handmade Valentine card, which you can personalize with your own message—or we can write it for you!
Shop now.

Virtual Class: Art Smart Art Appreciation
2021-01-25 18:30 - 19:30, 2021-02-01 18:30 - 19:30 | TX
A weekly art appreciation class led by Veteran artist and curator Judith Estrada Garcia will be a fun look at contemporary artists and their work. Learn more about artists, art styles and the artists’ motivations. Get inspired to create your own masterpieces or to dive deeper into research on a specific artist. A fun weekly class to expand your knowledge. Each class ends with an optional art challenge based on the artist you learned about. This class is designed and Free for Veterans and their family members. Although all are welcome to attend. Please consider making a donation to support our Veteran programs. Registration required.
Cost
Free for Veterans and their family members. Donations encouraged for others.
Registration
Registration required. A Go To Meeting link will be sent to those who register. Click here to register
Questions?
Contact April Sullivan april@artsparktx.org

Virtual Class: All Rhythms Percussion 2
2021-01-26 18:30 - 19:30, 2021-02-02 18:30 - 19:30 | TX
This weekly virtual music enrichment class taught by Ian Fry utilizes percussion instruments will build on skills and exercises learned in our previous Percussion class*. From how to hold the sticks to beginning techniques such as rebounding, bouncing, buzzing, rolling, accenting and exercises starting with singles, doubles, triples, and more. Rudiments will continue to be learned and will involve various rolls, flams, and drags. We will focus on playing along with songs for a final concert at the last class. 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!
*If you did not attend the first Percussion class, a recording of the lessons will be sent to you.
This class is designed and Free for Veterans and their family members. Although all are welcome to attend. Please consider making a donation to support our Veteran program. Registration required.
Cost
Free for Veterans and their family members. Donations encouraged for others.
Registration
Registration required. A Zoom link will be sent to those who register. Click here to register
Questions?
Contact April Sullivan april@artsparktx.org

Community Conversations: Virtual Card-Making Party
2021-01-27 19:00 - 20:30 | TX
Mark your calendars and gather your card stock paper, markers, pencils, paint, stampers and ink, cut-out pictures from magazines, miscellaneous paper ephemera and get ready to be creative. There will be some creative prompt challenges (participation is optional), and we’ll take some time to show off our new creations.
This is all about hanging out and making fun art in a relaxed, conversational setting.
Meeting Link.
