Art Spark Texas

the 30th anniversary of art in the park

Kim Flor — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:08:53 +0000

On Thursday, April 9, we gathered at Fiesta Gardens to celebrate something remarkable: 30 years of Art in the Park! In partnership with McBeth Recreation Center and Austin Parks and Recreation, Art Spark Texas' Art in the Park has centered performers with disabilities while opening the door for children and adults of all abilities to make, explore, and experience art in the park in a welcoming and accessible environment. What began as a simple idea has grown into a beloved Austin tradition where inclusion isn’t a feature, it’s the foundation.

This year’s event brought Fiesta Gardens to life with music, food pop-ups, and dozens of hands-on art and ecology activities. Local schools and day programs arrived by the busload. Artists, volunteers, classrooms, and neighbors filled the park with art, music and joy.

This kind of gathering is built through steady partnership, care, and a shared belief that access to the arts matters. It reflects the work of educators, artists, volunteers, and community members who continue to show up so that art in Austin is truly for everyone. Thirty years in, Art in the Park continues to show what’s possible when access leads, and creativity belongs to us all.

Special thanks to all the musicians and performers including Jonah Dillon's live wheelchair painting and Glass Half Full Theatre's Serpent Performance - and to Circle of Fifths Music Institute who partnered with us on this year's lineup of talent.

This year, we expanded the event with a dedicated ecology activity area, supported by the Texas Commission on the Arts. Local partners including the Austin Parks Foundation, the Lyndon B. Johnson Library, Birdability, and the Capital Area Master Naturalists led hands-on learning that invited participants to identify birds, explore local flora and fauna, and better understand the natural habitats around them.

We also grew our therapist-run sensory retreat booth, creating more space for regulation and rest. This area was guided by the expertise of Austin-based nonprofit Unboredroom, whose work in therapy and inclusive events helped shape a welcoming environment for anyone who needed a quiet moment during the day.

Special thanks to our sponsors and volunteers! We couldn't continue this inclusive Austin legacy event without your support. Art in the Park ensures children and adults of all ages and abilities are able to engage and participate in the arts, see themselves on stage, and engage with a supportive community. Art in the Park 2027 will take place the second week of April - stay tuned for details!

Accessible pedicab art crawl

Kim Flor — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 19:27:56 +0000

Spring accessible art crawl for blind and low vision guests by pedicab with Hi Tech Hippie Pedicab & Regina Budet from Art Spark texas

The rain cleared and made way for a full afternoon of exploring some of East Austin's most wonderful public art stops including - the Pillars Project, the Carver Library mural, and Holly Commons, all ending at the ATX Mosaic Workshop.

What made it accessible for blind and low vision guests?

Audio Description
Accessible to Blind & Low Vision Guests
Small Groups
Sensory Supports

We were joined by Occupational Therapist Regina Budet offering accessibility tools, followed by a hands on tactile exploration and workshop with ATX Mosaic Workshop.

Special thanks to Cap Metro for capturing photos of the mosaic murals and the spirit of accessibility in the arts - as well as Kitty Bird Photography for the Pillars Project images.

Stay tuned on our social media @artsparktx and at our website calendar at artsparktx.org for upcoming art crawls and other accessible events in Austin.

Spring Break Animation Workshop

Kim Flor — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 20:18:07 +0000

Bringing Stories to Life: Spring Break Animation Workshop with Art Spark Texas

This March, Art Spark Texas hosted a Spring Break Animation Workshop designed specifically for youth with disabilities. It was an incredible week of creativity, connection, and empowerment.

Partnering with local artist Brian Joseph (Bydeeman), the workshop invited participants to explore the world of animation through storytelling and hands-on art making.

Art Spark Texas Director of Education Jerry Slayton guided students in transforming simple materials into expressive tools for visual narrative. Drawing inspiration from Bydeeman’s signature “people art”, inclusive, faceless figures representing all races and abilities, students crafted unique puppets to serve as the stars of their own stories.

How It Worked

Over the course of the week, participants:

Created custom puppets based on Bydeeman’s people art.
Learned animation fundamentals - from movement and sequencing to visual storytelling.
Collaborated with peers to bring their characters to life in short animated pieces.
Acquired new creative skills they can continue using beyond the classroom.

Every student’s ideas were valued, and the diverse art forms reflected the variety of voices in the room. For many participants, this wasn’t just a chance to dip their toes into animation, it was an opportunity to see themselves as storytellers and makers. By taking home their puppets and the skills they developed, students now have fresh tools to continue their creative journeys long after spring break ends.

Art Spark Texas Radio Hour 2026 Intern

Kim Flor — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 20:37:14 +0000

We are pleased to announce our new Intern for the Art Spark Texas Radio Hour on KOOP Radio, Austin's best independent radio - Jaela Mitchell! We asked Jaela to share a bit about herself - catch her on KOOP radio Mondays from 2-3pm at 91.7 fm or tune in online any time at https://koop.org/program/art-spark-tx-radio-hour/

From Jaela:

"I was raised in New Orleans, Louisiana– acclaimed for its vibrant culture, rich cuisine, and
harmonic tunes of jazz. Born in 2006, I’m what’s called a “Katrina Baby,” a child conceived
during the historic Hurricane Katrina. So, birth certificate wise, I’m a Texan due to my family’s
refugee status at the time but at heart I’m a New Orleanian. A city that was left with nothing
following the disastrous hurricane, but the people didn’t stop there. Communities, neighbors,
friends, family all joining as one to rebuild the city forming a resilience like no other. That same
atmosphere is what I grew up with: music, art, cornerstores, secondlines, jazz bands,
po-boys,french markets, and beignets. It’s what made me–me; and for that I couldn't be more
fond of the city. A city engraved with resilience.

I attended the same school K-12, a prestigious charter school famous for its art programs. It
wasn’t until the start of middle school when I started taking interest in the electives offered. I
dabbled in media arts, starting on camera quickly before realizing my skills were more suitable
for behind the scenes needs. At that moment, once the switch was made, I met my real
archnemesis, stagewriting. If anyone has written a screenplay, they too would understand the
tediousness of the task required, so I said no to that because I didn’t quite find it suitable either. The imagination, creativity, and vision was there but how was I too professionally and appropriately share my ideas with others? Writing. I joined creative writing class as an elective for two years before joining the official program where a certificate would be awarded upon completion. I successfully graduated high school with that certificate and six years of creative writing under my belt. I loved it. Writing is freeing, it is fun, it is patient, it is kind. But, I had left it alone.

It wasn’t long before Texas had seen me again, only 18 years later when I attended UT San
Antonio for higher education where I studied supply chain management. A year following that, I
transferred to St.Edwards located here in Austin where I now study Writing & Rhetoric, with a
concentration of Journalism. I am fascinated with language, the power of words and how it
transforms the soul and the people impacted by it. It isn’t hard to be a writer, because we all
write. And for so long I was a writer, but now I am an author. Authorship over your word means
treating language as a canvas for what’s in the mind and heart. It is the one thing that separates
authors and writers, the credibility associated with.

I want all of us to become authors of our own story, sharing what made us who we are. I hope to
continue to use my voice to remind others that it is us who write the pages of our book. We must
continue to do so unapologetically, and resiliently. Forever, and ever."

Beyond Art Showcase: Mason Miller

Kim Flor — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 16:49:50 +0000

Beyond Art Showcase is a curated spotlight series by Art Spark Texas celebrating Texas-local artists with disabilities as professionals, innovators, and creative leaders. “Beyond” reflects what this series stands for:

Beyond assumptions.
Beyond stereotypes.
Beyond limitation.
Beyond tokenism.

This showcase creates a focused, artist-centered space where audiences can experience artwork, hear directly from the artist, see demonstrations, and support their work through purchase, all in a setting designed for meaningful connection.

For this inaugural event, we are proud to feature Mason Miller, student artist at nonPareil Institute, joined by mentor artist Johnny Villarreal and his interactive Edge of Animation Station, offering live animation demos and original work.

We'll see you there! Spread the word: March 28th, 1pm - 3pm at 1152 San Bernard. in the Rosewood neighborhood in Central East Austin, Texas

RSVP HERE - LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE

Art Spark texas feature at the historic paramount theatre

Kim Flor — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 17:31:35 +0000

Since 2021, the Austin-based Paramount Theatre has highlighted local nonprofits on its historic marquee in celebration of #AmplifyAustinDay - our community’s largest day of giving.

Each year, their team selects a diverse group of organizations, including local shelters, arts groups, youth programs, and other community nonprofits, to spotlight on their iconic marquee and across social media to help promote generosity across Austin.

We are deeply grateful to the Paramount Theatre for selecting Art Spark Texas as one of this year’s featured nonprofits.

Our staff, board members, and friends gathered in our new purple 30th Anniversary t-shirts to celebrate in front of the marquee at this historic theatre. It’s truly an honor to be recognized in such a meaningful way and to stand alongside so many incredible organizations serving our community.

Thank you, Paramount Theatre, for shining a light on Art Spark Texas and the power of accessible arts for all.

Donate to Art Spark Texas

Photography by Kevin Garner - follow their Instagram @luxeboi

Black History Month Artist Spotlight: Michael Douglas

Kim Flor — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 18:05:03 +0000

Follow Michael Douglas

Black History Month Spotlight on Comic Artist Michael Douglas

February is Black History Month, and we were honored to meet Michael Douglas, a comic book writer based in San Antonio, Texas recently after joining our December Beyond Art Market, where we had the opportunity to learn more about his creative process and the experiences that shape his work.

Read more below, and be sure to give him a follow on Instagram to see more of his incredible storytelling.

Q&A with Art Spark Texas

Q: To start at the beginning, how did you first get into comics, and what eventually led you to creating your own stories?

Douglas: As a kid, my brother was an avid reader and collector of comic books. I remember thumbing through the pages of his X-Men, Ninja Highschool, Teen Titans, and Batman comics, completely amazed by the illustrations, bold color work, and explosive lettering.

It wasn’t until around 2014 that I rediscovered my love for comics. I spent countless hours catching up on older storylines before eventually getting current and becoming a Wednesday Warrior at my local shop, Laughing Ogre in Columbus, OH. From there, I went on to start a podcast called Uncanny Nerdverse, where my co-host and I talked about X-Men comics and more.

Over time, I began to step away from mainstream comics. I moved to San Antonio, TX and started creating my own stories, commissioning artists to bring my scripts to life. Within the past year, I’ve finally returned to catching up on so many incredible comics from other creators. Veil Vol. 1 was my favorite graphic novel released last year.

Q: As your creative journey continued, what does “Creating Comics While Black” mean to you personally as an artist and storyteller?

Douglas: Living my life every day as a Black man with dwarfism, I’ve developed a deep passion for the artistry of comic books and a desire to create my own. It also means learning how to create on a budget—making sure the bills are paid before commissioning artists.

Accessibility is important to me as well. I make my comics available digitally for free, ensuring readers from around the world can access them. When it comes to storytelling, people of color and those with disabilities will always be prominently represented in my work.

Q: Why do you feel representation in comics is still important today, especially for Black readers and young artists?

Douglas: Without it, comics will continue to shut out potential new readers, writers, artists, shop owners, and podcasters - people who could otherwise help build positive, inclusive communities within their local scenes.

Q: How do your lived experiences influence the characters or worlds you create?

Douglas: I might pull something from my past, toss it into the creative blender, and give it an escapist spin. Or I may think back to OG skateboard legend Chaz McGee from my hometown and blend multiple concepts into one.

Q: What kinds of stories do you feel are missing or underrepresented in mainstream comics today?

Douglas: Characters with disabilities and superpowers matter to me. I’m still patiently waiting for Marvel Comics to release a Puck mini-series. Marvel has also kept Anna Maria Marconi shelved—two characters with dwarfism, both portrayed in a positive light, both sidelined.

Q: What are some of the challenges and freedoms that come with working independently as a Black comic creator?

Douglas: Affording commissioned artists while still making sure my living expenses are covered is always a balancing act. Finding reliable artists who truly sync with you isn’t easy, and I’ve been exceptionally blessed with the artists I’ve had the pleasure of working with. When it comes to creative freedom, I can do whatever I decide and create my own destiny.

Q: How has community or collaboration with other creators shaped your work?

Douglas: Outside of publishing comics, the community has shaped my desire to give back to the local creative scene. Collaborating with the artists I commission has also introduced me to their incredible stories, which continue to inspire me.

Q: When someone finishes reading one of your comics, what do you hope they take away from the experience?

Douglas: Take away: Aye! That was fun!

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring Black and/or disabled artists who want to tell their own stories but aren’t sure where to start?

Douglas: Don’t be afraid to turn that blank page into a comic book script. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your peers for advice, artist referrals, community-building, co-projects, or events.

Q: Finally, what’s next for you creatively, and what are you excited to explore in the future?

Douglas: I’m not sure what’s next for me creatively. It continues to evolve and shape itself along the way, and I’m excited to keep exploring authenticity.

Speaking Advocates Showcase 2025

Kim Flor — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 20:15:50 +0000

The 2025 Speaking Advocates Showcase performances were a powerful display of everything this program stands for, “combining the art of storytelling with public speaking skills, to challenge misconceptions about what it means to live with a disability, and demonstrate that we are all more alike than different.”

This year’s advocates offered a broad range of stories, each having a unique perspective on life. From vast cosmic landscapes of the imagination, to a deep intimate portrait of a loved one. From graduate school enlightenment, to the neverending quest for peace, the stories that were felt and shared on stage that day brought our participants closer together, and as a result brought the audience closer together.

Thank you to all of our 2025 advocates for their willingness to share and determination to craft wonderful pieces of art.

Participants:

Mark Sones “A Dinner in Germany”

Kristen Gooch “Becoming a Proud Aunt”

Julio Solis Milam “Darkness and Lightness”

Quin Heston “Comfort in Imagination”

Jaiden Padilla “Some Things That I’m Nostalgic For That Shape Who I Am”

Ethan Shade-Shell “Driving”

Huma Ahmad “Where is my Peace”

Ethan Huffor “A Better Future”

Dylan French “Thoughts on Drumming”

Beans Yimpa “There's a million things I haven’t done, but just you wait.”

30 Stories 30 Years: Celia Hughes

Kim Flor — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 19:03:18 +0000

A Story of Leadership at Art spark texas

Celia Hughes has built a career defined by one consistent throughline: access to the arts is for everyone.

As Executive Director of Art Spark Texas, Hughes has spent decades advancing inclusive programming that positions artists with disabilities not at the margins, but at the center of cultural life.

Early Work: Ground-Level Beginnings

Hughes’ trajectory began long before her leadership role. From a young age, since the 1970's, she has been committed to improving quality of life for people with disabilities.

One of her earliest formative experiences was at Clover Patch Camp in Schenectady, New York, where she created an arts and crafts program for youth with disabilities through Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital. The camp was one of the first of its kind in the region, and it revealed something foundational: the issue was never a lack of creativity, but a lack of access and opportunity.

With a degree in Speech Pathology and a parallel commitment to the arts, Hughes built a multidisciplinary career spanning theater, television, film, galleries, classrooms, and youth leadership organizations. That breadth of experience would later inform her approach to building programs that are both artistically rigorous and structurally inclusive.

From VSA Texas to Art Spark Texas

In 1999, Hughes stepped into a leadership role at what was then known as VSA Texas, an affiliate of the international organization founded by Jean Kennedy Smith. The organization’s original mission focused on bringing arts access to people with disabilities who had historically been excluded from public cultural life.

Over time, VSA Texas evolved, eventually becoming Art Spark Texas. The name change reflected a broader shift in philosophy. Not just access to participation, but full inclusion, leadership, and visibility within the arts sector.

Recognition and Long-Term Impact

Hughes’ sustained contributions have been recognized at the state level. In 2014, she received the Governor’s Trophy from the Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities, an award honoring long-term impact in advancing employment and empowerment for Texans with disabilities.

The recognition aligns with the scope of her work. Rather than one-off initiatives, her leadership has focused on building systems that persist. Programs that create ongoing opportunities, not temporary visibility.

A Clear Philosophy: Art as a Universal Right

Hughes’ approach is grounded in a direct extension of a well-known idea articulated by John F. Kennedy: that art draws from every sector of society. Her contribution is to explicitly include disability in that framework, not as an afterthought, but as an essential dimension of diversity.

Continuing the Work

Even after decades of leadership, Hughes positions her work as ongoing. Her own reflection emphasizes that recognition does not signal completion.

The goal remains consistent: to build inclusive, arts-inspired communities where people can “envision, create, dance, play and sing their stories, out loud and proud.”

That framing underscores the scale of the work. It is not only about programming, but about cultural change.

Looking Ahead

Today, Art Spark Texas continues to operate as a key force in disability arts and accessibility in the state. Hughes’ influence is evident in how the organization approaches programming, partnerships, and community engagement.

Her legacy is not only in what has been built, but in what has been normalized. And that shift, while gradual, is structural and ongoing.

In the 30th year of Art Spark Texas programming, we take a moment to recognize the story of the executive leader of the organization and continue to tell stories all year of the organization and the people whose lives it has touched.

Photograph by Steven Rogers Photography

Photograph by Kitty Bird Photography

Photograph by Steven Rogers Photography

Photograph by Jen Reel Photography

Beyond Art Market

Kim Flor — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:14:03 +0000

Johnny Villareal of The Edge of Imagination Station brought an indoor interactive animation experience to Beyond Art Market, giving guests the chance to create live animations on-site.

Students from NonPareil School also joined the fun, sharing pop-up art goods with attendees and adding an extra layer of creativity and community to the event.

With an interactive, community paint-by-numbers mural led by Creative Action's Color Squad, we celebrated Austin’s revolutionary Black women and honored the Black Cultural District of Six Square, right in the very building where Six Square was founded. The mural brought participants together, turning art into a shared, vibrant experience that highlighted creativity, history, and community.

Food pop-ups and trucks Acero Hearts and Crepe Crazy joined us - alongside incredible music performances and DJs all day from: DJ ThereHeIs and DJ Veneer, Zachary LaViola and Devin Guiterrez.

See Art Spark Texas' on Instagram for more video footage - and get involved in 2026 for Beyond Art Showcase! If you're an artist that identifies as having a disability and want to be featured, reach out to kim@artsparktx.org

Photography by Kriston Woodreaux

What is Beyond Art Market?

Beyond Art is about celebrating more than just the artwork, it’s about the people, stories, and experiences behind it. At the Beyond Art Market this year, each handmade item or artwork is a window into the creativity, resilience, and perspective of the artists. These events highlight accessibility, disability, and equity, inviting audiences to engage not only with the art itself - but with the journeys that shape it. It’s an opportunity to connect, understand, and appreciate art in a deeper, more meaningful way.