Outside the Rock: Art Spark Texas & The City of Austin
BRING ART IN THE PARK TO FIESTA GARDENS
Austin, TX – Art Spark Texas and McBeth Recreation Center are inviting the community to join them for ART IN THE PARK, an inclusive arts festival that celebrates creativity, connection, and diversity. ART IN THE PARK will take place on Thursday, April 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Fiesta Gardens Pavilion, 2101 Jesse E. Segovia Street.
The festival will offer a variety of hands-on art activities designed for participants of all ages and abilities, encouraging attendees to explore their imagination and create unique works of art. Live performances will highlight diverse talents and provide an inspiring showcase of artistic expression.
ART IN THE PARK is a family-friendly event, welcoming individuals, families, and friends to enjoy a day of creativity in an inclusive and supportive environment.
“It is so heartening to see the community come together to celebrate the joy of creativity and the power of inclusion through the arts,” said Celia Hughes, executive director at Art Spark Texas. “Art in the Park is a reminder that art has the unique ability to connect us all, regardless of age or ability.”
Organizers are calling on local organizations, artists, and performers to get involved in this community-focused event. Groups are encouraged to host booths offering “make-and-take” crafts, interactive art activities, or demonstrations. Performers of all kinds, including musicians, dancers, and other entertainers, are invited to share their talents and bring excitement to the day.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for organizations and artists to connect with the community, share their creativity, and be part of a celebration that makes art accessible to everyone,” Hughes said.
WHO: Art Spark Texas – “Sparking the Creative in Everyone”
WHAT: ART IN THE PARK – An Inclusive Arts Festival
WHEN: Thursday, April 10, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: Fiesta Gardens Pavilion, 2101 Jesse E. Segovia Street, Austin, TX
COST: Free and open to the public
ATTEND – School groups, home-schooled children, and adult groups are also welcome to attend and participate. Click here to fill out the EventBrite form.
ART BOOTHS – We are looking for arts organizations, local businesses, volunteer groups, and individuals to volunteer your time hosting one of the make-and-take-art activities for the day. Come up with your own activity or ask us for guidance. Click here to fill out the Art Booth EventBrite form. For information on how to host a booth or perform at ART IN THE PARK, email info@artsparktexas.org.
PERFORMANCES – We also need performers for the stage for 30-45 minute kid-friendly acts.
Click here to fill out the Performer EventBrite form.
ABOUT ART SPARK TEXAS: Art Spark Texas, founded in 1996, is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, arts-inspired community where individuals with and without disabilities can flourish. The organization’s mission is to challenge perceptions of how people contribute to society by ensuring that arts experiences are accessible, welcoming, and respectful for all. Art Spark Texas believes that the inclusion of diverse voices enriches lives and actively creates opportunities for people with disabilities across all cultural and ethnic communities. Through its dynamic programs, Art Spark Texas addresses the physical and attitudinal barriers that often limit participation for people with disabilities. Participants benefit from opportunities for social and professional networking in supportive environments. The organization also provides non-disabled individuals and caregivers with the chance to gain insight and empathy by experiencing life from another perspective. Art Spark Texas offers services that support educational and career development, personal growth, public training, and creative expression. Its programs serve individuals who are often marginalized, including homebound individuals, isolated older adults, veterans, students with developmental disabilities, and others. To date, Art Spark Texas has served over 95,000 Texans through accessible, culturally diverse, community-based arts opportunities, classes, and workshops. The organization also promotes groundbreaking performances and artwork by artists with disabilities in dance, theater, media, and other creative fields.
ABOUT MCBETH RECREATION CENTER: Danny G. McBeth Recreation Center and Annex provides social opportunities through quality programs that challenge, support and teach leisure skills for the citizens of Austin with differing abilities. The center offers year-round programs for youth, teens, and adults. The center was named after Danny G. McBeth who was active in advocating for rights and services for individuals with disabilities. The site has been providing inclusive and adaptive programs since February 1986. Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is proud to offer Therapeutic Recreation Services to provide safe, accessible, fun and supportive recreation environments for all persons no matter their abilities. PARD’s Therapeutic Recreation Services include both adaptive and inclusive programs which are facilitated and supported by Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS).
Images courtesy of Art Spark Texas
