Storytelling through Animation
2025-05-03 10:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | 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

Women Vets Moving Forward Through the Arts Virtual Conference
2025-05-03 10:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Join us for a virtual conference where women veterans come together to explore their creativity and empowerment through various forms of art
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/women-vets-moving-forward-through-the-arts-virtual-conference-tickets-1284699122659?aff=oddtdtcreator

Women Vets Moving Forward Through the Arts Virtual Conference
Saturday, May 3rd 10-2 pm
Welcome to our virtual conference celebrating the creativity and resilience of women veterans! Join us for a day filled with inspiring speakers, interactive workshops, and engaging discussions. Connect with fellow women vets from around the country and explore how the arts can empower us to move forward. Whether you’re an artist, a fan of the arts, or simply looking for some inspiration, this event is for you. Let’s come together to support and uplift each other as we navigate life and service. Register now and be part of this empowering experience!
*REGSTRATION ENDS APRIL 21st DUE TO ART SUPPLY DELIVERY
Speakers ad Artists include:
Amy Barthold, MSW – Marine veteran and CAV Visual Art Instructor – https://rural.indiana.edu/focus/arts-culture/creative-arts-for-vets/index.html
Maureen Elias – Storyteller, Grassroots Advocacy Trainer, Storytelling Coach – https://maureenelias.my.canva.site/
Jill Russo-Downey, CW2, US Army Aviator UH-1 and UH-60 Medevac and VIP Missions
Global War on Terror

Tree Tales
2025-05-03 12:00 - 14:00 | Rosedale School, 7505 Silvercrest Drive, Austin, TX, 78757, United States
Join Us for Tree Tales!

Rosedale students present Tree Tales, a dance theater performance celebrating our native trees. Experience their storytelling through movement at the Playground of Possibilities event at Rosedale School on May 3rd at noon. The Playground of Possibilities will be open 12-2pm but the play will be from 12:30-1:00pm, so plan accordingly. This event is free and open to all!
Tree Tales performance by Rosedale students directed by Art Spark Texas artist teachers Veronica DeWitt and Toni Bravo.

Annie (Audio Described)
2025-05-03 20:00 - 22:00 | Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin, TX, 78712, United States
Saturday, May 3 – Austin
8:00 PM – Annie
Describer – Celia Hughes
Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination, and sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprisingly small package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner.
Texas Performing Arts – Bass Concert Hall
2350 Robert Dedman Dr,
Austin, TX
For Tickets: Tickets Here!

The Lion & Pirate Open Mic - Virtual
2025-05-04 13:00 - 14:30 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85231105344#success
The Lion & Pirate invites you to our virtual inclusive open mic for writers, performers, and musicians! As always, we’re open to work in any genre: music, spoken word, improv, skits, storytelling, dance, poems or prose… Anything you can perform!

🗓️ **When**: Sunday, May 4th, 2025🕖 **Time**: 1:00 – 2:30 PM CDTJoin Laura Perna and her guest co-host for this months Lion and Pirate Open Mic!
Sign up sheet coming soon.
If you have any questions, please email Celia at celia@artsparktx.org
PLEASE NOTE: Zoom link to the open mic here

Call for Entries: Expressions 2025 Exhibition
2025-05-05, 2025-06-02, 2025-07-07 | Barshop Jewish Community Center, 12500 NW Military Hwy #275, San Antonio, TX, 78231, United States
Mental Illness Awareness Week is an annual national observance that a 1986 presidential proclamation created to recognize “the urgent need to educate the American public about mental illnesses and their treatments.” The 2025 Mental Illness Awareness Week activities will be held from Oct 5, 2025 – Oct 11, 2025. During this week, millions of Americans will honor the challenges of mental illness, as well as celebrate the recoveries they or their loved ones have embraced.

Art Spark Texas is hosting “Expressions” our annual Mental Illness Awareness Week art exhibition at Barshop Jewish Community Center of San Antonio Texas through the month of October with an art opening on Thursday, October 23rd from 5:00-8:00 pm.

Art Spark Texas invites all artists ages 18+ in San Antonio and surrounding areas with a mental health diagnosis to submit artwork to the exhibition. There is no entry fee and 2D and 3D works in all media are eligible. The exhibit will be on display at Barshop Jewish Community Center in San Antonio in October 2025.
Fill out the linked registration form to participate:
Expression Call for Art 2025
Please contact our organization or Expressions Exhibit Coordinator Susan Beattie at 210-908-1776 if you have any further questions.

Texas Veterans Strong Creative Network
2025-05-08 10:30 - 11:30, 2025-06-12 10:30 - 11:30, 2025-07-10 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: tps://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMrdOmgpzMsHNYYU-Wv-UyUGYxf7d6OvDrU

The Wiz (Audio Described)
2025-05-11 13:00 - 15:00 | Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston Street, San Antonio, TX, 78205, United States
Sunday, May 11 – San Antonio
1:00 pm – The Wiz
Describer: Kimberlyn Montford
The Wiz returns in an all-new Broadway tour, the first one in 40 years. This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz changed the face of Broadway–from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock, and 70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world.
Majestic Theater
224 East Houston Street
San Antonio, TX
For tickets: Tickets Here!

Moulin Rouge (Audio Described)
2025-05-15 19:30 - 22:30, 2025-05-22 19:30 - 22:30 | Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin, TX, 78712, United States
Two Shows of Moulin Rouge! The Musical – Austin
Thursday, May 15 at 7:30 pm
Thursday, May 22 at 7:30 pm
Describer: Luke Stollings
Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Welcome to Moulin Rouge! The Musical!
Texas Performing Arts – Bass Concert Hall
2350 Robert Dedman Dr,
Austin, TX
For Tickets: Tickets Here!

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.

I want to be a f***ing princess (Audio Described)
2025-05-18 17:00 - 19:00 | Ground Floor Theatre, 979 Springdale Road, Suite 122, Austin, TX, 78702, United States
Sunday, May 18 – Austin
5 pm – I wanna be a f***ing Princess
by Jenny Connell Davis
Describer: Celia Hughes
A fierce and unapologetic coming-of-age story about self-empowerment and finding your voice. When high school senior Willa Nichols decides she’s tired of playing by the rules, she sets out on a mission to claim her own fairy tale, one that is nothing like the picture-perfect, princess tropes she grew up with. Davis challenges traditional norms and redefines what it means to be a queen of your own destiny.
Ground Floor Theatre
979 Springdale Road Suite 122
Austin, Texas 78702
For Tickets: Tickets Here!

Moulin Rouge! at the Majestic Theatre
2025-06-01 13:00 - 15:30, 2025-06-07 14:00 - 16:30 | Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston Street, San Antonio, TX, 78205, United States
Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Welcome to Moulin Rouge! The Musical! Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. Directed by Tony Award® winner Alex Timbers, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a theatrical celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and—above all—Love. With a book by Tony Award® winner John Logan; music supervision, orchestrations, and arrangements by Tony Award® winner Justin Levine; and choreography by Tony Award® winner Sonya Tayeh, Moulin Rouge! is more than a musical—it is a state of mind.
Open Caption and Audio Description will take place on Sunday, June 1st, 2025, at 1:00 pm and Saturday, June 7th at 2:00pm.
GalaPro will be available for the entire run of each show.
Groups of 10+ call 210-226-5967 for special pricing.

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

JK's Just Kidding Variety Hour: Audio Described by Celia Hughes
2025-06-21 19:30 - 21:30 | trinity street playhouse, 901 Trinity Street, Austin, 78701, United States
JK’s Just Kidding Variety Hour: Summer Solstice Edition
The Solstice and Equinox symbolize the transition of seasons, rebirth, and renewal. Let’s come together and celebrate the changing seasons as a community. Please join us for JK’s Just Kidding, a seasonal variety show featuring artists across mediums.
ABOUT THE SHOW: The weekend of the Summer Solstice we have performances by Austin’s first ever Poet Laureate Zell Miller III, dance legend Kelsey Oliver, and musician & sound artist J.C. King, plus animation by the inimitable Annie McCall. Immediately following the performances join us for a reception celebrating Annie McCall, and the opening of their exhibit “It made sense when I made it OR Everything in its place” in the 4th Floor Gallery.
Trinity Street Playhouse
901 Trinity Street
Austin, TX 78701
Tickets and More Information Here.

Therapeutic Art
2025-06-26 15:30 - 17:00, 2025-07-31 15:30 - 17:00 | Caldwell County VFW Post 8927, 7007 US-183 Hwy, Lockhart, TX, 78644, United States
For all military veterans and active duty.
Free therapeutic art classes/meet ups on the last Thursday of each month from 3:30pm to 5pm.
At Caldwell County VFW Post 8927.
Address: 7007 US-183, Lockhart, TX 78644

Disability Pride Showcase
2025-07-06 16:00 - 18:00 | Alienated Majesty Books, 613 W 29th St., Austin, United States
Sunday Jul 6th, 20254:00 PM – 6:00 PM
This July, we’re hosting a Disability Pride Month showcase in partnership with Coalition of Texans with Disabilities (CTD), Alienated Majesty Books, and Thunder & Lightning Poetry Collective.
For over ten years, CTD and Art Spark Texas have hosted monthly Lion & Pirate open mics to celebrate writers and performers with disabilities. Open to everyone in the community (with and without disabilities), this month’s L&P at Alienated Majesty Books will be hosted by Sueitko Zamorano-Chavez and feature a line-up of local poets and authors with disabilities to present an hour and a half long reading.
✦✦✦ ABOUT THE GUESTS ✦✦✦
Sueitko Zamorano-Chavez (elle/they/them) is an Indigi-Latine, Two-spirit, Queer, 2 time cancer surviving, chronically ill, neurodivergent multidisciplinary storyteller, event producer, host, and healer dedicated to highlighting experiences of the QTBIPOC community. Their upbringing sparked their creative and community work that has been featured and published in multiple zines, blogs, and anthologies. Earning a Bachelors and Masters in mental health focuses inspired led healing circles and various workshops on mental health awareness , creative healing and expression, as well as awareness of injustices toward often marginalized groups. Sueitko is a humble member of various local organizations and projects dedicated to empowering and enhancing our community. Follow them on Instagram for virtual open mics, variety hours, and TLPC events!
Jennifer Toon is a passionate prison abolitionist. As a formerly incarcerated woman, her experience with the criminal legal system began at age 15 when she was adjudicated under Texas determinate sentencing laws. Her conviction started a long journey through 27 years of criminal justice involvement. Jennifer has been published in The Texas Observer, The Marshall Project, The Guardian and is also the co-host of On the Rec Yard: Women’s Prison Podcast. She is also a JustLeadershipUSA Leading with Conviction™ (LwC) graduate. As the Executive Director for Lioness, Jennifer aspires to use her lived experience to bring attention to the voices of other system-impacted individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+, youth, and people with disabilities. She lives in Austin, Texas with her cat Taylor, who embodies the mischievous energy of Taylor Swift.
Born Benjamin Joseph Kolbeson, Benny Kolbeson is a native Austinite. After moving around Texas while struggling to find meaning in education and employment, he came back to Austin in 2017 and received his ASD diagnosis at the age of 37. Since then, he’s gone mostly crazy while trying to be creative, focusing mostly on writing poetry and song lyrics, making melodies, and composing a few simple songs for piano. He also enjoys singing, painting, balloon art, cooking, and volunteering to an extent. Benny has been involved with the local autism community in Austin through organizations including ArtSparkTX, Autism Society of Texas, and Greenleaf NCC. He recently completed UT’s ACT LEND program for autistic self-advocates.
Christina Culverhouse is a passionate and dedicated artist, jewelry designer, and poet/writer with over 20 years of experience in the arts. Christina has an eclectic body of work. She has showcased her art at multiple venues in and around Austin, Texas as well as with an online gallery through Artlifting. In addition to her art, Christina has published three books containing her poetry and artwork that are available on Amazon and Lulu.com. Christina holds three degrees from St. Edward’s University: Bachelor of Arts in Art, Master of Arts in Teaching, and Master of Arts in College Student Development.
✦✦✦ ABOUT THE ORGS ✦✦✦
Coalition of Texans with Disabilities is an Austin-based advocacy organization working to ensure that persons with disabilities may work, live, learn, play and participate fully in the community of their choice.
Art Spark Texas challenges perceptions of how people contribute by creating an arts-inspired, inclusive community of individuals with and without disabilities.
Thunder & Lightning Poetry Collective is a collective for disabled BIPOC & queer poets, working to foster creative, accessible community spaces that celebrate creativity within the chronically-ill, neurodivergent and disabled community.
✦✦✦ WHERE TO PARK ✦✦✦
Alienated Majesty is located at 613 W 29th St. There is (limited) free parking in our lot, as well as free street parking in the surrounding neighborhood.
✦✦✦ ABOUT ALIENATED MAJESTY BOOKS ✦✦✦
Alienated Majesty Books is a bookstore and community space that specializes in small presses, works in translation, comics, and the weird and radical. In 2024, AMB was voted Best Obscure Literature Collection by the Austin Chronicle.

Jinkies! or The (currently) Untitled Dog Play
2025-07-20 18:00 - 19:00 | The VORTEX, 2307 Manor Rd., Austin, TX, 78722, United States
Jinkies! or the (currently) Untitled Dog Play
Audio Describer: Luke Stollings
ABOUT THE SHOW: When a gang of meddling mystery solvers is reunited after a botched case, can they overcome their differences for one last hurrah? Jinkies! takes a beloved cultural juggernaut and re-envisions it with modern themes and characters that reflect our diverse society. This campy, Scooby Doo-style whodunnit about a spree of local kidnappings is infused with political commentary on gentrification and corruption; race, class, and power; intersectional feminism; justice reform; and environmentalism.
The Vortex’s Summer Youth Theater
Tickets and More information: HERE

Bring It On: The Musical - Audio Described
2025-07-24 20:15 - 22:00 | zilker park
an audio described play for blind and low vision guests – Bring it On the Musical
Audio Describer: Celia Hughes
ABOUT THE SHOW: Bring It On focuses on the competitive world of cheerleading and the dynamics between rival high school teams. It follows cheer captain Campbell as she’s forced to transfer to a different school and navigate a new social landscape. It explores themes of friendship, rivalry, and betrayal within the context of cheerleading.
Zilker Summer Musical
Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater
Zilker Metropolitan Park
2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin
For More information: https://zilker.org/

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Audio Described
2025-07-25 19:00 - 21:00 | AISD Performing Arts Center, 1500 Barbara Jordan Boulevard, Austin, 78723
An audio described play, charlie and the chocolate factory
Audio Describer: Luke Stollings
ABOUT THE SHOW: It tells the story of Dorothy Gale, who is swept away to the magical land of Oz and embarks on a journey to find her way home with the help of a Scarecrow, a Tin Man, and a Cowardly Lion.
AISD Summer Theater Program
AISD’s Performing Arts Center
1500 Barbara Jordan Blvd, Austin 78723
Austin, TX 78724
Tickets at the Door Here.

Live Wheelchair Painting with Jonah Dillon at Canopy
2025-08-02 13:00 - 16:00 | TX
Live Wheelchair Painting with Jonah DillonFriday, August 2, 2025 | 1:00–4:00 PMCanopy, 916 Springdale Rd, Austin, TX
Join Art Spark Texas during Canopy’s monthly first Saturday Artist Studio Tour for a live painting demonstration by our July Artist of the Month, Jonah Dillon!
Jonah creates striking abstract artworks using the wheels of his wheelchair to paint. During this event, you’ll get to witness his creative process in action as he transforms movement into vibrant, one-of-a-kind works of art.
This event marks the grand finale of our online auction fundraiser featuring Jonah’s original paintings, created at our 29th Annual Art in the Park. All proceeds support our needs assessment research project with youth with disabilities, helping us build more inclusive and accessible programs.
Free and open to the public. Stop by, experience adaptive art in action, and support a great cause!
🖼️ Auction ends August 3rd —place your bids before time runs out!

BID NOW!

The Lion & Pirate Virtual Open Mic
2025-08-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Virtual
The Lion & Pirate meets again on Saturday, Aug. 2, at 7pm CT on Zoom for a virtual, inclusive open mic! Sign up to perform now: https://forms.gle/XysFfk6WK4rMBUiA7

More to come about guest co-host and Zoom link will be posted HERE the day of the show! As always, we’re open to work in any genre: music, spoken word, improv, skits, storytelling, dance, poems, prose… Anything you can perform in 3(ish) minutes! Read on for community guidelines and accessibility adventure notes.

Community Guidelines: please read the Art Spark Texas code of conduct before Lion & Pirate events: https://www.artsparktx.org/code-of-conduct/

If you are reading work, note that we use content warnings to keep this space safe and welcoming. Please use them! If you have questions about content warnings, feel free to ask us before or during an open mic.

Things we believe:– We feel and practice respect for all people and for diversity of thought and identity.– We see honesty as a form of love.– We acknowledge that free speech is difficult sometimes.– We accept that we are unaware of the traumas people within even our own communities are trying to live through, and we have to teach each other, learn from each other, make each other more aware.

Accessibility adventure notes for virtual performers or attendees:Captions: Zoom has auto-generated captions, and those are… ok. When possible, we screen share the words/ lyrics/ poems to each performance so that attendees who need closed captions (CC) get better quality info. Performers are welcome to: screen share their words themselves, so they can stay on screen OR send an L&P host their words and they’ll do the screen sharing OR paste a link to a document with their words in the chat, so attendees can decide if they want to see the words or not. If sharing your words ahead of time is not in the cards, that’s ok, we’ll do our best to make it work!.Sound quality: We ask all attendees to stay muted when not performing (or cheering). Are you performing with an instrument or accompanying music? Optimize your sound: https://online.berklee.edu/…/1793280-how-to-configure…

Access requests: Need something else for virtual OR in person participation? Get in touch with Laura P by DM or email lperna@txdisabilities.org!
