Call for Collaborators - Links of light: Healing Through Community
2023-02-10
This is a call to everyone in the Art Spark Dance community, especially those feeling low this winter or facing seasonal depression. Join us and be a part of a collaborative virtual dance project exploring the topic of healing in community. This video project is open for any body and all experiences and will be submitted to the Mobile Dance Film Festival!
We are looking for 1-2 minute movement and/or spoken word videos that reflect your experience around the topic. The video should be shot on a mobile device in a horizontal view. The deadline for submissions is Friday, February 3rd. If you have any trouble submitting a video through the form or need more support in making the video please email dance@artsparktx.org.
Movement Prompt:
First, think of moments where you have felt unmotivated, alone, or the desire to be alone, what it is like to find shelter inside your mind even when it is a dark place.
Then, think of how it feels to be with people who you are loved by or that give you a sense of safety in your vulnerability.
You can note a list of words or drawing images that come to mind–structure this exploration as much or as little as is helpful.
We ask that your video begins with movement that receives from the right side of the frame to be released to the left side of the frame. You can repeat this transition from side to side multiple times in your recording.
Writing Prompt:
Create a movement score, word collage, or poem that is inspired by moments where you have felt unmotivated, alone, the desire to be alone, or what it is like to find shelter inside your mind even when it is a dark place. Then, think of how those feelings relate to being with people who you are loved by or that give you a sense of safety in your vulnerability.
The theme for this project was inspired by a quote from bell hooks’ All About Love:
“Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion.”
Submit your video here
Questions? Email Dance@artsparktx.org

Valentine Art and Gift Pop-Up
2023-02-11 12:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Art Spark Texas, 1152 San Bernard St., Austin, TX, 78702, United States
Love is in the air! Shop for unique and artful gifts for all your favorite people at our Valentine Art and Gift Pop-Up! Selected artisans will be offering lots of eye candy: Fine crafts, paintings, wearables, jewelry, and more. Refreshments served.

Call for Art: Project Hope
2023-02-13, 2023-02-20, 2023-02-27 | Bee Cave Arts Foundation, 12700 Hill Country Blvd Suite T125, Austin, TX, 78738, United States
Veteran artists are eligible to submit 16″ x 16″ monochromatic (black and white or gray to black) artwork in any media on a theme of peace, brotherhood, freedom, democracy, tolerance, or inclusion. Chosen artwork will be integrated into a memorial sculpture being placed in Paestum, Italy at the site of the first landing of the 36th Texas Army Division troops on continental Europe during World War II. An exhibition of all the work will be on display at the Bee Cave Arts Foundation Hive gallery. The winning artist will receive an all expenses paid trip to Paestum, Italy. For details, reach out to Deby Childress at debychildress@gmail.com or see full details at the website https://beecavearts.foundation/project-hope/

Art Spark TX Radio Hour Show
2023-02-13 14:30 - 15:00, 2023-02-20 14:30 - 15:00, 2023-02-27 14:30 - 15:00, 2023-03-06 14:30 - 15:00, 2023-03-13 14:30 - 15:00, 2023-03-20 14:30 - 15:00, 2023-03-27 14:30 - 15:00, 2023-04-03 14:30 - 15:00 and 1 more date
Tune in every Monday at 2:30 PM CT to the Art Spark TX Radio Hour live on the Austin airwaves at KOOP 91.7 FM or streaming at www.koop.org. Bringing inclusive discussion of topics important to the disability community & beyond!

“Waiting for the Bus” Script Workshop
2023-02-19 13:00 - 16:00 | Ground Floor Theatre, 979 Springdale Road, Suite 122, Austin, TX, 78702, United States
Join Art Spark Texas along with members of TILT Performance Group and ATX Theatre ConFab producers for a developmental reading of James Burnside’s “Waiting for the Bus,” a new play on America’s long and troublesome history of institutionalizing people with disabilities.
Synopsis: The history of the institutionalization of disabled people, particularly people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, in America began in the 1840s with the noble notion of “Moral Therapy.” That what would “cure” these people was light, fresh air, good food, and honest work. Large gothic facilities were built in the countryside, and they rapidly became overcrowded, poorly maintained, and poorly staffed while “patients” were subjected to all manner of experimental “procedures.” This play could easily have been just another horror show​. And that would certainly be a large portion of the truth, but lost would be the humanity of the people who lived in these institutions—people with hopes and dreams and love, people with family and friends.
Afterwards, stay for a talk led by AST Executive Director Celia Hughes where you can gain new perspectives about what it’s like to live with or without accommodations directly from cast and audience members living with disabilities and from advocates who specialize in providing accommodations.
THIS IS THE PLACE where you can finally ask all those burning questions about exactly how to create events that are more accessible to ALL audiences—with the added benefit of witnessing methods in action during the reading.
We will provide ASL interpreting, audio description, and open captions.

Monthly Drum Circle
2023-02-25 11:00 - 12:30, 2023-03-25 11:00 - 12:30 | Art Spark Texas, 1152 San Bernard St., Austin, TX, 78702, United States
Join our Monthly Drum Circle, led by Mary Oliver of Spirit Rhythms on the last Saturday of each month from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Mary focuses on her passion for drumming as a tool for nurturing others toward self-expression, spirituality, and wellness. The drum circle will take place outdoors in chairs but will move indoors in the case of inclement weather.
To sign up, or if you have any questions, please email mary.spiritrhythms@gmail.com
There is no cost to participate, though donations are welcome.

Elements
2023-02-25 13:00 - 14:30, 2023-03-25 13:00 - 14:30 | Body Collective, 5501 N Lamar Blvd c111, Austin, TX, 78751, United States
The Elements dance class is back on the fourth Saturday of every month! The first class starts Saturday the 28th from 1:00-2:30 PM at Body Collective, 5501 N Lamar Blvd c111, Austin, TX 78751. Class is taught by Silva Laukkanen.
In this class, we will be getting familiar with the elements of dance and exploring each element at a time. First, we will look into the idea of time in dance improvisation. This class is open to individuals of all abilities and skill levels, ages 16 and up. Fee in sliding scale $5-$25.

Class Schedule:
January 28th | 1:00-2:30 PM at Body Collective
February 25th | 1:00-2:30 PM at Body Collective
March 25th | 1:00-2:30 PM at Body Collective
April 22nd | 1:00-2:30 PM at Body Collective
May 27th | 1:00-2:30 PM at Body Collective

February Makers Meet-Up
2023-02-26 13:00 - 16:00 | Art Spark Texas, 1152 San Bernard St., Austin, TX, 78702, United States
Join us at our monthly Makers Meet-Up Sunday, February 26 from 1-4:00 PM! Open to all artists of all abilities, teens to adults – the Austin community is always welcome! Create a beautiful mandala in a friendly and supportive workshop. Artist Christina Culverhouse will teach us how to make colorful and mesmerizing mandalas like the ones pictured on our event cover page. It’s free to participate. We will have the supplies needed plus yummy snacks! Questions? Contact outreach@artsparktx.org.

Amplify Austin Day
2023-03-01 18:00 - 23:30, 2023-03-02 00:00 - 18:00
Art Spark Texas is participating in Amplify Austin Day! Support us now through 6 PM Central Time on March 2nd by making a donation: https://bit.ly/3RsHHD7

Art Spark has been breaking down walls, challenging perceptions and opening doors for Texans with disabilities for over 25 years.
It’s what we do. Our goal this year is $10K.
Don’t forget to Add #LoveTitos at checkout and we receive an extra $25 from Tito’s!

VIRTUAL OPEN MIC: THE LION & PIRATE
2023-03-05 13:00 - 14:30
The Lion & Pirate, an inclusive, open mic for writers, performers, and acoustic musicians, invites you to join us the first weekend of the month.
Join the Lion & Pirate for our next virtual inclusive, open mic! Featured performers to be announced; then, it will be your time to shine!
Join us on Zoom:
Use this Link to attend our virtual open mic.
Sign-up here: https://forms.gle/3QnaRvNnL83XG1n79
Stay tuned to our Facebook Group for event updates, signup sheets, and links, and invite your friends too. You can tune in just to connect with your community and give us those “clap” reactions.
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.
Questions? Please email Ms Boye: boye@artsparktx.org.

Nominations Open: 2023 Artist of the Year Awards
2023-03-06
The 2023 Art Spark Texas Artists of the Year Awards nominations are now open! We have revised the nomination form to allow you to nominate artists in several categories, including:

Spark Award
Lynn Marie Johnson Media Arts Award
Gloria Bond Creative Aging Award
Haven Street-Allen Artist of the Year

The award ceremony will take place in Austin in September 2023. We support all winners with their travel costs to come to the event. Nominations are now open and they are due no later than April 30, 2023. We will announce the winners in June 2023.
All artists with a disability of all disciplines* who live or work in Texas are eligible, ages 16 and up. We welcome self-nomination as well.
*Visual art, 2D and 3D, media, dance, music, drama, writers, poets – all are welcome, and we encourage you to nominate someone you know!
Download Nomination Form

Texas Veterans Strong Creative Network
2023-03-09 10:30 - 11:30 | Virtual
Join us for this monthly virtual creative network that connects Arts Organization, Veteran Organizations, and Creative Veterans to share ideas, network, and collaborate to elevate and support or creative Texas Veterans. Together, we are strong!
Register to receive the meeting link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMrdOmgpzMsHNYYU-Wv-UyUGYxf7d6OvDrU

Women Veterans Strong
2023-03-09 19:00 - 20:00
A virtual group for women vets to connect, create, and converse. Register in advance for this meeting at: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcsceGurDstGdGUBQk_1QdFZoHxuchPLwZs
At this meeting, we will be making origami boxes with Susan Beattie. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting and the the supplies needed.

East Austin Arts District's Third Thursday
2023-03-16 18:00 - 21:00 | Art Spark Texas, 1152 San Bernard St., Austin, TX, 78702, United States
Celebrating Spring at the Third Thursday East Austin Arts District (self-guided) gallery tour. Featuring blackout poetry art by April Sullivan, intricate mandalas by Christina Culverhouse, delicious floral paintings by Nada Diwan and Myscal’s glass-encased bluebonnet and flower suncatchers. Refreshments served, all are welcome. Best night of the month to catch lots of Art happenings in Austin.

ATXgo! Parks Access Volunteer Training
2023-03-25 11:00 - 13:00 | Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest District Park, 7000 Ardath Street, Austin, TX, 78757, United States
Are you a park enthusiast who cares about accessibility? We are looking for volunteers to survey parks and help people with disabilities enjoy the great outdoors. At this volunteer training, you will receive an introduction to the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), learn more about our diverse programming, and practice using our access survey in the field. The training is free but registration is requested.
Register Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSflAFOQac0aHbbZE2ZHjVAoE-oaoukuXRJpq9yrv96EF7GNDw/viewform

Location:
Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest District Park,
7000 Ardath Street, Austin, TX 78757

Monthly Makers Meet-Up
2023-03-26 13:00 - 16:00 | Art Spark Texas, 1152 San Bernard St., Austin, TX, 78702, United States
Join Art Spark staffers and artists, April and Susan, for our monthly Makers Meet-Up, a creative in-person gathering, taking place the last Sunday the month 1-4:00 PM CT. All types of Makers are welcome! We’ll hang out, try a new art method and/or do a creative prompt or two, and share our work. You are always welcome to bring your choice of media, or your latest creative project to share. If you would like to teach a workshop, please contact outreach@artsparktx.org.

VIRTUAL OPEN MIC: THE LION & PIRATE
2023-04-01 19:00 - 20:30
The Lion & Pirate, an inclusive, open mic for writers, performers, and acoustic musicians, invites you to join us the first weekend of the month.
Join the Lion & Pirate for our next virtual inclusive, open mic! Featured performers to be announced; then, it will be your time to shine!
Join us on Zoom:
Use this Link to attend our virtual open mic.
Stay tuned to our Facebook Group for event updates, signup sheets, and links, and invite your friends too. You can tune in just to connect with your community and give us those “clap” reactions.
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.
Questions? Please email MsBoye.
