Art Spark Texas

Writing Class: Braided Essay and Flash Fiction
2021-08-25 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | TX
This writing workshop is a 7-week virtual class for Veterans and current and prior military members. Wednesdays from 6 to 7 pm August 25 through October 6, 2021.
The first 4 weeks will focus on the nonfiction technique of Braided Essay. Respond to nonfiction prompts. Then piece three of the previous prompts together to create a braided essay/memoir.
The last 3 weeks will focus on the technique of Flash Fiction. Generate flash stories (under 1000 words) using prompts developed in class. Flash fiction is a fun genre that allows for more experimentation in storytelling.
Attend one or both segments. Taught by Veteran Clayton Bradshaw.

Art Workshop: People, Places, and Things
2021-08-26 18:00 - 19:00 | TX
This Fall, Art Spark Texas is inviting you to share your stories through visual art! Our “People, Places and Things” workshop will explore how to watercolor paint and draw the people, places, and things that are near and dear to you. We will use our personal stories and experiences as the inspiration for these pictures, as well as look to artists like Mary Cassatt, Alex Katz, David Hockney and others for ideas and techniques.

Week 1 – Understanding the Human face
Week 2 – Understanding the Landscape
Week 3 – Understanding the Still-life
Week 4–Someone we Know
Week 5–A Place we Know
Week 6–Objects we Know

Registration required click here to register. All registrants will receive zoom link information via email.
Questions? Contact Jerry at classroom@artsparktx.org

Meet the Masters
2021-08-29 14:00 - 15:00 | TX
An art appreciation class for Veterans and current and prior military members. Learn about the masters and be inspired to create your own art!
Meet the Masters is a 6-week virtual class. Each week spend 30 minutes learning about a new artist and 30 minutes discussing and sharing art you created based on the artist from the previous week. Led by Veteran artist and curator Judith Estrada Garcia.

Percussion Styles From Across the Globe
2021-09-13 18:00 - 19:00 | TX
A virtual drumming class for Veterans and current and prior military members. Learn about percussion styles and practice your rhythmic skills! Percussion Styles from Across the Globe is an 8-week virtual class, Mondays from 6 to 7 pm CST September 13 through November 1, 2021. Each week learn about a new percussion style from around the world, listen to music, learn a technique, and try it yourself with drums or found percussion instruments from around your house.

Stained Glass Mosaics - Virtual
2021-09-20 14:00 - 15:00 | TX
A weekly hands-on virtual art class for Veterans creating your own framed abstract stained glass mosaic art. A non-leaded glass class. Learn how to cut and tumble your glass and assemble and grout your design. Leave with 1-2 finished pieces. They make great gifts! All supplies provided, but must be picked up in Austin. Class held virtually via Zoom. Taught by Veteran artist Rudy Anderson. Register at Eventbrite.

12th Annual Distinguished Artist Veterans Exhibition
2021-10-08 13:00 - 17:00 | The Hive, 12700 Hill Country Blvd Suite T125, Bee Cave, TX, 78738, United States
You are personally invited to the opening reception of this exhibition on Friday, October 8 from 6-8 pm. This annual exhibit features 19 Veteran artists from around the state of Texas.
On View October 8-Feb 4, 2022
Gallery Hours: 1-5 pm Wed-Sat

Free Admission
The Hive by Bee Cave Arts Foundation
In the Hill Country Galleria
(across from Barnes and Noble)
12700 Hill Country Blvd Suite T125

Bee Cave, TX 78738

Earth Tones: Veterans Exploring the Creative in Nature
2021-10-23 08:00 - 16:30 | Estero Llano Grande State Park, 3301 S. International Blvd. (FM 1015), Weslaco, Texas, 78596, United States
Earth Tones: Exploring the Creative in Nature, presented by Art Spark Texas and El Zarape Press with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts Creative Forces. It is a free art and nature retreat for Veterans and current and prior military and their family members.

This creative workshop will be held on October 23, 2021 at the Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco, TX from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm and includes entry fee and lunch for the day.
We start as a group, then break into three focused workshops for the day with a break for a catered lunch, and a group wrap-up at the end.
Participants will choose one track to follow for the entire day. All workshops will include time indoors and outdoors. Register at Eventbrite.

Photography – Bring your camera and join Nature Photographer Ruth Hoyt, a Certified Interpretive Guide and Certified Texas Master Naturalist, in a workshop to gain skills in taking photos of nature. This indoor/outdoor workshop will include guided hikes around the park.
Open Art Studio – Bring your drawing or painting materials and join Art Professor Rachael F. Brown as you create in nature. Be inspired by the plants and animals at the park and connect with others as you gather indoors and outdoors.
Creative Writing – Bring paper and writing instruments and join poet, author and professor Katherine Grace Hoerth for creative writing inspired by your natural surroundings. This indoor/outdoor activity will include guided hikes.

**Notes: You must bring your own supplies. Plan for October weather conditions and what you can carry while walking. ADA accessible trails are available and there will be options for hikes based on your personal activity level. Service animals allowed on leash. Children age 14 + with supervision allowed in workshop with a parent or plan to bring your family to enjoy the park for the day as you participate in the workshop.
A Friday pre-event is being planned as well as a Friday evening gathering at Veteran owned and operated 5 x 5 Brewery. Details available upon registration.
If you have questions, or if the topic you are interested in is sold out, please contact April Sullivan at april@artsparktx.org or 512-454-9912 ext 103.

Fall Expressions Exhibition
2021-10-25 | TX
The Fall Expressions exhibition includes artwork by San Antonio area artists celebrating Mental Illness Awareness Week.
For information on the Spring or Fall Expressions exhibit, please contact Susan Beattie at seabeattie@yahoo.com
Visit the exhibit here: https://artsparktx.square.site/fallexpressionsexhibition

Finding Each Other in the Virtual World Through Dance
2021-11-06 11:00 - 14:00 | TX
Mettler-based dance improvisation explores the roots of movement expression, which makes dance available to everyone. Improvisation is used to awaken creativity and engage the whole person. This workshop is open for all levels of experience.
Lead by Karenne Koo, a dance artist committed to developing and practicing multi-disciplinary approaches to encourage and stimulate the art of inclusive dance as an instrument for building community. In 2017, she co-founded Dancesequences Inc., a Tucson-based nonprofit dance organization with the mission to advance societal inclusion through dance.
This workshop will take place virtually on zoom on the 6th and 7th of November from 11 am until 2 pm CT.
Register Here: https://tinyurl.com/karennekoo

Virtual Open Mic: The Lion & Pirate
2021-11-06 19:00 - 20:30 | TX
The Lion & Pirate, inclusive, open mic for writers, performers, and acoustic musicians invites you to join us the first weekend of the month. Sponsored by Art Spark Texas and the Pen 2 Paper Creative Writing Contest. Organizers also include Malvern Books and the Coalition of Texans Disabilities.
Join the Lion & Pirate for our next virtual inclusive, open mic! Saturday, November 6, 2021 – 7-8:30 pm. Featured performers to be announced; then, it will be your time to shine!
Sign up here by noon Nov. 5.
Join us on Zoom:
Link will be available when you sign up to perform, and closer to the event for the public.
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.
Stay tuned to our Facebook Page for event updates and invite your friends too. You can tune in just to connect with your community and give us those “clap” reactions.
Questions? Please email Ms Boye: boye@artsparktx.org.
Thank you for donating and supporting Art Spark Texas Speaking Advocates Program and the Pen 2 Paper Creative Writing Contest.

Art Spark Open House
2021-11-13 12:00 - 16:00 | Art Spark Texas, 1152 San Bernard St., Austin, TX, 78702, United States
We have moved to a small house in East Austin and hope that you will join us on the front porch on Saturday, November 13 ~ 12-4:00 PM CST This 1,200 square foot space provides a new home where our artists of all abilities can create, grow, connect, and thrive!

Women Vets Moving Forward Through Creative Arts
2021-11-20 09:30 - 16:00 | TX
Join us for this virtual event, a day of self-care through the arts. We are bringing together female-identifying active-duty military, retirees, and veterans with various veteran and art organizations, art therapists, and other resources to help provide supportive networking opportunities and demonstrate methods for improving interpersonal communications. The day will include Interactive Panel Discussions, Experiential Art and Writing Activities, and Connections with other Women Veterans Resources.
Register by November 15th to have art supplies mailed to you.
Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/196589212627

Holiday Card-Making Party
2021-11-21 13:00 - 17:00 | Art Spark Texas, 1152 San Bernard St., Austin, TX, 78702, United States
Join us to make some cards for yourself, and some for us to put in our curated art boxes and/or sell in support of Art Spark Texas this season. Free to participate, plus we’ll have lots of materials available, but you are welcome to bring items to share. Plan to bring a treat to share with the group, and we’ll have some tasty things as well! We’re even planning a few (optional) creative card challenges.

GivingTuesday
2021-11-30 | TX
GivingTuesday is an annual global day of giving and unity that takes place this year on November 30th. It is a day to come together, to create a wave of generosity, citizen engagement, philanthropy, and support for nonprofits in communities around the world. This year we are focusing on Coming Together, both virtually and in-person, as safely as possible, to deliver our programs and create new ones to serve our community of artists, veterans, and students across Texas. We have weathered the storm of Covid together and will continue to grow stronger together with your support! Our goal for this year’s GivingTuesday is $5,000.
Donate here: https://bit.ly/3q5JsdI

Podcast Launch
2021-12-03 | TX
Join us as we celebrate the launch of True Tales by Disability Advocates, a podcast created by Art Spark Texas’ Speaking Advocates group. On Friday, December 3rd, we will be hosting a virtual ‘Meet the Team Launch Party’ at 1 PM featuring a panel of our speaking advocates discussing the project, how it’s unique, and their vision. The meeting opens at 12:45 PM.

Event Link: https://zoom.us/j/95148036838

Available on all podcasting platforms.

Curated Art Boxes
2021-12-03 | TX
Our popular Curated Art Boxes are back for the holidays! Enjoy a virtual shopping experience from the comfort of your home while supporting Art Spark Texas and our talented Texas Artists. Find gifts for everyone on your list, including yourself. The price is right, at just $50, for a selection of Art valued at more. Also available are Art Projects in a Box and Custom Pet Portraits.
Place your order today and we can have your gifts ready for pick up from our office. Shipping is available.
Order Here: https://artsparktx.square.site

ON DISPLAY
2021-12-03 11:00 - 12:00 | TX
On December 3rd, we will again join the worldwide initiative that honors the United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities, with ON DISPLAY GLOBAL, a worldwide human sculpture court, originated by Heidi Latsky Dance, that challenges the collective understanding of seeing and being seen. This year we are partnering with SA Dance Fringe, a San Antonio-based dance collective.

We will host two different hours on December 3rd for you to join ON DISPLAY GLOBAL 2021. Please join virtually via Zoom with Art Spark Texas at 11 AM, and/or 7 PM with San Antonio Dance Fringe.

Audience members are encouraged to join the zoom room to emulate a live sculpture court with audience members interspersed. You will have the option to pin performers, write in the chat, focus on one group, join the sculpture court yourself or just observe.

Please find the zoom and other useful links below:

Webpage for the Event:
https://heidilatskydance.org/odg2021

Zoom (For Audience and Performers):
https://nyu.zoom.us/…/tJMuceqtrjIrH9Z_d1iccOK6Qgq_9KLZG6b8

Live Stream Link (For observing the event as a whole):
https://disabilityunite.org/live-stream-center/

Training Video:

Please use this video as a refresher, or as a warm-up before performing. https://vimeo.com/651254489/a9eca6dfbd

Participation is free and highly encouraged even if you have joined ON DISPLAY before.

Artist Market at Abilities Expo Dallas
2021-12-03 11:00 - 17:00 | Dallas Market Center, 2100 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TX, 75207, United States
Look for us at booth #250, showing and selling artwork by Achievement Through the Arts, Jasmine’s Beats, and Jarrad Hamilton Fine Art. Please stop by to learn more about Art Spark Texas and our services for people with disabilities, Veterans, and seniors.
Register at https://www.abilities.com/dallas/vregister.html

Crip Lyrics: The Virtual Launch Event
2021-12-03 18:30 - 19:45 | TX
CTD and Art Spark Texas are proud to host the launch of Crip Lyrics: The Unapologetic Poetry of Disability, a collection of poems framing the many facets of Disability Culture.
Written by a disabled activist, speaker, organizer, and writer Val Vera, Crip Lyrics is an unfiltered and poetic narrative of Vera’s perspectives, lived experiences, and identity as a disabled person.

Virtual Open Mic: The Lion & Pirate
2021-12-05 13:00 - 14:30 | TX
The Lion & Pirate, inclusive, open mic for writers, performers, and acoustic musicians invites you to join us the first weekend of the month. Sponsored by Art Spark Texas and the Pen 2 Paper Creative Writing Contest. Organizers also include Malvern Books and the Coalition of Texans Disabilities.
Join the Lion & Pirate for our next virtual inclusive, open mic! Sunday, December 5, 2021—1-2:30 pm. Featured performers to be announced; then, it will be your time to shine!
Sign up by noon December 4.
Join us on Zoom:
Link will be available when you sign up to perform and closer to the event for the public.
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.
Stay tuned to our Facebook Page for event updates and invite your friends too. You can tune in just to connect with your community and give us those “clap” reactions.
Questions? Please email Ms Boye: boye@artsparktx.org.
Thank you for donating and supporting Art Spark Texas Speaking Advocates Program and the Pen 2 Paper Creative Writing Contest.

Community Conversations with Art Spark Dance & Civic Arts
2021-12-08 19:00 - 20:00 | TX
This month’s virtual Community Conversation topic is our creation of a national gathering focused on dance and disability education in the U.S. – Refocusing Dance Education: Deafness and Disability – in Spring 2023, to bring together those who are invested in inclusive dance practice and pedagogy at multiple levels. The planning team will present our process to date from a series of in-depth interviews and our exploration of the Austin dance and performing arts scene. Our work is a continuation of what is currently taking place in our local and national communities. ASL interpretation and Closed Captioning for this conversation will be provided. Questions can be directed to outreach@artsparktx.org
Community Conversation with Art Spark Texas & Civic Arts
Wed, Dec 8, 2021 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (CST)

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86253225288?pwd=[REDACTED]

Holiday Art & Gift Pop-up Market
2021-12-11 12:00 - 17:00 | Art Spark Texas, 1152 San Bernard St., Austin, TX, 78702, United States
We’ll be Tossing the Tinsel and Slinging the Sparkle at our upcoming Holiday Art and Gift Pop-Up Market and you are invited! Get ready to shop for unique and artful gifts created by Art Spark Texas artists. This is an in-person event.
Selected vendors will be offering original paintings, fine crafts, handmade cards, wearables, jewelry, glass art, homemade cranberry salsa, and more. Pre-made Curated Art Boxes will also be available. Tasty treats and libations along with live music by Jean Caffeine and Ramon Topete will round out a festive way to spend your Saturday afternoon.

Call for Art Community Gallery
2022-01-14 | Austin Lighthouse for the Blind, 4512 S Pleasant Valley Rd, Austin, TX, 78744, United States
Art Spark Texas is seeking visual artists to display their work at our community gallery space at the Austin Lighthouse for the Blind Lobby and hallway in Austin. The artwork is changed out every two months. Group and solo opportunities are available.
If you are interested, please contact April at april@artsparktx.org.

Whirlpooling Thoughts
2022-01-18 | TX
This is a collaborative video project that explores the topic of anxiety and how it manifests in the body.
We are looking for a 1-3 minute video that has a movement element. You can submit your video here: https://tinyurl.com/whirlpoolingthoughts. Submission deadline February 2nd 2022.
Movement Prompt- contemplate what anxiety feels like in your body. Please use some keywords to influence your movement. This can be as structured or as freeform as you would like.
From the project choreographer Emily Heath, who is our intern from Bennington College:
“For example, when I am anxious my palms sweat, and my heart beats quickly and as a result, I sometimes feel short of breath. I used the image of palms sweating to create the action of rubbing my hands on my legs. This movement made its way into my dance practice. I play with repeating the movement and the speed that I do this move. I am also thinking about how I get in and out of this movement and transitions. These may be some elements that you consider as you are moving.”

Valentine Card-Making & Painting Party
2022-01-23 13:00 - 16:00 | Art Spark Texas, 1152 San Bernard St., Austin, TX, 78702, United States
For January, our Makers Hour converts to a card-making event and painting party in our new space. Join us to make some cards for yourself, and some for us to sell in support of Art Spark Texas this season. We’re even planning a few (optional) creative card challenges.
It’s free to participate, plus we’ll have lots of materials available, but you are welcome to bring items to share.
If you don’t feel comfortable joining us in person, join us virtually!

Call for Art: Valentine Art and Gift Pop Up
2022-01-24 | Art Spark Texas, 1152 San Bernard St., Austin, TX, 78702, United States
Apply for a booth space at our Valentine Art and Gift Pop-Up!
We are hosting our second in-person Pop-Up event at our new space. Apply for a space by filling out the google form. If accepted, booth fee is due Feb 1. All details are in the form. If you have questions, contact April at april@artsparktx.org for details.

Free to apply. Booth fee upon acceptance is $20 artists with disabilities/ $25 artists without disabilities

Deadline for applications is Monday, January 24th.

Apply Here: https://forms.gle/CCCnN9QoigTrqJ79A

Valentine Art and Gift Pop-Up
2022-02-05 12:00 - 17:00 | Art Spark Texas, 1152 San Bernard St., Austin, TX, 78702, United States
Love is in the air! Mark your calendar to shop for unique and artful gifts for all your favorite people at our Valentine Pop-Up. Selected artisans will be offering lots of eye candy: Fine crafts, paintings, wearables, jewelry, and more.

OPEN MIC: THE LION & PIRATE
2022-02-05 19:00 - 20:30 | TX
The Lion & Pirate, inclusive, open mic for writers, performers, and acoustic musicians invites you to join us the first weekend of the month. Sponsored by Art Spark Texas and the Pen 2 Paper Creative Writing Contest. Organizers also include Malvern Books and the Coalition of Texans Disabilities.
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 Ms Boye: boye@artsparktx.org.
Thank you for donating and supporting Art Spark Texas Speaking Advocates Program and the Pen 2 Paper Creative Writing Contest.

Community Conversation with Artist of the Month Kemi Yemi-Ese
2022-02-09 19:00 - 21:00 | TX
Join us to meet our February Artist of the Month, Kemi Yemi-Ese! Kemi is a Nigerian-American artist living in Austin. She was raised in Houston, Texas and moved to Austin eleven years ago for physical therapy and to gain independence after a car accident in 2006, which left her with a spinal cord injury. Kemi is now a fully-licensed therapist who focuses her counseling practice on helping those with stress, anxiety, and childhood trauma. She is also an artist and an art teacher. Her belief is that art can promote emotional healing, and this is core to her practice as both an artist and a therapist. Kemi will also lead us in a drawing activity. The only supplies needed are paper and markers.
Join the Community Conversation here on Wednesday, February 9th @ 7-9 PM CST.

Makers Meet-up
2022-02-27 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. Participants have the option to join either virtually or in-person. Use this link to participate virtually.
