by Celia Hughes

It’s September, and my favorite month for Art Spark Texas. This is because every September we get to honor Texas artists with disabilities for their creative distinction. Every year I think that we have the best group of artists ever, but year after year I am thrilled to learn about new artists across our state who are accomplishing great things. 

There are five awards given out every year, but this year is an exception. There were so many wonderful artists nominated we just had to select six to receive awards. The Haven Street-Allen Artist of the Year honors a former Board Member for her commitment to promoting artists and creatives as an honored career. The recipient is recognized for being a catalyst for change. The SPARK Award recognizes an artist who exemplifies the mission and vision of Art Spark Texas. The Gloria Bond Creative Aging Award honors older artists who have stayed the course throughout their career or taken up a brand-new avocation or hobby in their retirement years. The Lynn Marie Johnson Media Arts Award honors an artist who is using the media arts in a way that promotes disability, identity, and inclusion. The Director’s Commendations honor artists who, through their art, are making a difference in their communities.

Haven Street-Allen Artist of the Year Award

This year, for the first time, we are proud to honor a Veteran with the 2023 Haven Street-Allen Artist of the Year Award. Army Retired Sergeant Mario Lopez is not only a gifted artist. He has galvanized the South Texas artist scene as the New Century Art Guild’s Southwest Region Liaison. He recognized a need to support Veteran artists and has devoted his time to creating art opportunities where they can exhibit and sell their work. This has not gone unnoticed by the Veteran community, who appreciate his service to his country and his support of Veteran artists. Congratulations Mario, and we wish you the best of success in your life as an artist.  

SPARK Award

The 2023 SPARK Award recognizes an actor who burst upon the scene in San Antonio and gained notice with his one-man performance of Charles Dickens. A joyful presence on any stage, Kurt Wilkinson also uses his talents to raise awareness of the accommodations necessary to include all people on the stage and in the craft. He serves as a role model to young visitors at Morgan’s Wonderland, demonstrating the infinite possibilities available as they begin to dream about their futures. We look forward to seeing the places that Kurt will go as he pursues the next role in the next play, ensuring that inclusion follows him everywhere he goes.

Gloria Bond Creative Aging Award

The 2023 Gloria Bond Creative Aging Award shines a light on a mother, teacher, and artist who has slowly revealed to all the healing power of the arts. Kathyna Hatla has been an artist all her life, but as it sometimes happens, life created a major detour. However, with the support of her family, she rekindled her love of painting. She was never formally trained and perfected her style by observing others and watching Bob Ross videos! In her own words: “I approach [painting] as problem solving. Here’s this challenge: can I figure it out? I learn as I go… and, because my life has been pretty stormy the past couple of decades, I always try to incorporate some light elements to show that there is beauty in the storm.” Thank you, Kathyna, for showing us that the creative spirit burns brightly within us all.

Lynn Marie Johnson Media Arts Award

The Lynn Marie Johnson Media Arts Award celebrates a disability rights activist, speaker, organizer, and writer who has mastered the art of social media to bring attention to marginalized poets across the country. Valois ‘Val’ Vera knows that disability is an intersection of identity and culture and that disabled and queer poets of color are seldom, if ever, seen on the virtual stage. Anyone who has a disability understands oppression and what it’s like for people to only want to look at you as an inspiration. Valois isn’t here to be anyone’s inspiration, and what started as a one-time opportunity to create space for marginalized poets to gather and share has evolved into workshops, open mics, book launches, and more. Thank you, Valois, for seizing the social media revolution to create a vibrant collective of contemporary poets and visionaries.

Director’s Commendation 1

A recipient of the 2023 Director’s Commendation started out as a scientist by trade, but after a major life event, he found his art in a single large block of lay-down lumber. Tommy Nienaber discovered that “blocks of stone, metal, and wood contained unique personalities that he had the ability to set free. The work not only increased the movement in his hands. It allowed his soul to find peace and a new direction for his life.” And through this work, he has also discovered that including his neighbors in his quest for peace and beauty has brought a welcome and surprising added value to his community. We marvel at the life Tommy finds inside every stone that he carves and celebrate the network of caring he is weaving through his generous spirit.

Director’s Commendation 2

Another recipient of the 2023 Director’s Commendation is a ten-year veteran of the North Texas Performing Arts Starcatchers company where her roles have ranged from Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz to The Dragon in Shrek the Musical Jr. Karen Lamb shares her joy of performing with studied and dedicated abandon. Which means she approaches every role with an open heart and a willingness to play. She is a leader among her peers, and with her infectious smile and positive energy, she is able to encourage people to stay positive even during tough rehearsals. Karen epitomizes her company’s belief that the future of the performing arts is accessible to all, and we look forward to many more years of accessible and inclusive theater with Karen in the leading role!

2023 Artist of the Year Awards Ceremony

We invite you to join us in celebrating these extraordinary artists at our in-person awards ceremony on Sunday, September 17th from 1:30 PM to 4 PM! This year’s event is at The Cathedral, located at 2403 E. 16th St. in Austin, TX 78702. Please RSVP here. Read more about the event below. See you there!

Event Details:

·      MC – Ann Ciccolella, Artistic Director, Austin Shakespeare

·      Music by The Spinrockers

·      Light snacks and refreshments and music starting at 1:30 PM

·      Awards Presentation until 4:00 PM

·      Captioning will be provided.

·      For more about the celebration or to request accommodations, contact April at 512-454-9912 or [email protected].