Art Spark Texas

10/14/2026

This year, our AOTY Creative Veteran Service Award went to Glenn Towrey. Glenn has never encountered a challenge that couldn’t be overcome. When he learned that his fellow veterans were taking their own lives at an alarming number, he knew he had to do something. So he started the Veteran Su***de Prevention Channel, where veterans could sign on to hopefully experience their own peace, and find healing through the arts.

An actor and filmmaker at heart and a painter of clocks for fun, Glenn has lived a full creative life. Upon his return from Vietnam, he carried his share of the burdens of that conflict and sought solace through his art. Painting clocks helped him find his way home.

Glenn Towrey has never encountered a challenge that couldn’t be overcome. When he learned that his fellow veterans were taking their own lives at an alarming number, he knew he had to do something. So he started the Veteran Su***de Prevention Channel, where veterans could sign on to hopefully expe...

10/12/2026

Today on Voices of Access on KOOP Radio spent some time interviewing Howard Kramer. Howard Kramer is the founder and coordinator of the Accessing Higher Ground Conference, a leading event focused on accessible media, web, and technology, with over 25 years of experience in assistive technology, disability services, and inclusive design.

Kramer established the Accessing Higher Ground Conference to promote accessibility in educational and technological environments. The conference covers topics such as accessible media, web design, and technology integration, aiming to move beyond compliance to create inclusive, user‑friendly solutions.
He also serves as a speaker and facilitator for sessions on accessible course design, web/app accessibility, and inclusive design processes. https://koop.org/program/voices-of-access/

10/11/2026

The Lynn Marie Johnson Media Arts Award is given to an artist who displays passion and commitment to showcasing the creative vision of people with disabilities through the wide and ever-expanding spectrum of today’s media, and honors the life of Lynn Marie Johnson, a strong advocate for a strong advocate for the representation of artists with disabilities in the media arts.

Penny LeLeux learned filmmaking on the fly. As an actor, director, and creative leader, ten years ago she looked around and seeing an opportunity , she began a new adventure in the art of filmmaking by entering a 48-hour festival competition.

First, she wrote a screenplay. Then, with the help of a small production company, she wrote and directed her first short film. Since then, she has gone on to win numerous awards for her writing, directing, producing, and acting.

The Lynn Marie Johnson Media Arts Award is given to an artist who displays passion and commitment to showcasing the creative vision of people with disabilities through the wide and ever-expanding spectrum of today’s media, and honors the life of Lynn Marie Johnson, a strong advocate for a strong a...

10/10/2026

Talented printmaker and painter, Rachel Salcido was the recipient of the AOTY SPARK Award. The SPARK Award is given to an artist with a disability who embodies the infectious and innovative spirit of Art Spark Texas. Small but mighty, a spark – when nurtured and cared for – can fuel great things. 👏🏻👏🏻

The SPARK Award is given to an artist with a disability who embodies the infectious and innovative spirit of Art Spark Texas. Small but mighty, a spark – when nurtured and cared for – can fuel great things. A young, Mexican-American painter and printmaker, Rachel Salcido creates incredibly rich ...

10/09/2026

As the week comes to a close and we get ready for the weekend, Art Spark suggests adding a little storytelling to your day. Our True Tales Podcast highlights true stories and wonderfrul shares across the disability community. For today, we are resharing "Positively Shining Bright." from our very first season.
The stories in this episode highlight the power of choosing a positive mindset. Host Brittany Sessum introduces us to storytellers, Carlos Orellana, and Anne Marie Buckle. In their stories, "Listen to My World" and "Advocate Me," they share how in their own ways they practice having a positive mindset and how remembering to be grateful can help when they have a difficult day or have uncomfortable feelings.

They remind us that focusing on positivity doesn't mean we won't have problems, but it will determine how we dance with them when they show up in our lives. https://tinyurl.com/mvdyh8jj

10/08/2026

Our annual Artist of the Year Awards (9 years running!) was one for the books. If you weren't able to join us that day, we will be sharing our winners here and their accolades.

The Director’s Commendation is a discretionary award honoring an artist whose work shines a light on the inclusive vision of Art Spark Texas. Jonah Dillon is a young painter living with muscular dystrophy. His paint brush are the wheels of his wheelchair, driving over puddles of paint, usually sup...

10/05/2026

On today's episode of Voices of Access on KOOP Radio, Host, Celia Hughes interviews Kelly Feltault, PhD. Kelly is a teaching artist, evaluator, and certified therapeutic arts facilitator with over 25 years of experience helping nonprofits, foundations, and arts-based programs measure what matters. With a BFA in Painting and Printmaking and a PhD in Anthropology, she brings both creative and analytical skills to her work. Kelly specializes in building evaluation capacity for small, community-rooted organizations—especially those working in arts, health, and social change.

Hear what they uncovered about the creative process, art making and mission building. https://tinyurl.com/yv8bcyhj