Celia M. Hughes, Executive Director
MPA, LBJ School of Public Affairs, University of Texas - Austin and proud graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA, NYC). I have been involved in the arts since I was a young child, with my earliest memory singing in the cherub choir at my hometown Methodist Church at Christmas. I have also worked with people with disabilities from a very early age. These two avocations merged in NYC when I taught television production to high school students with Dyslexia and hired them as crew for two weekly shows I directed for Manhattan Cable. What fun we had! And we all learned something too. Moving to Austin in 1985 was a huge culture shift, and I relied on my grounding in the arts to help me through the transition. My journey to here has given me many adventures and introduced me to incredible people, places and ideas. Many of these experiences forged the ground to build my creative house upon. And this rock-solid foundation has supported me throughout my years as the Executive Director of Art Spark Texas. For over 20 years, I have had the pleasure and freedom to bring together people from all walks of life to create the story of an inclusive world. It is a good story.
Silva Laukkanen, Director of Integrated Dance
I am a passionate dance educator, advocate, and researcher for inclusive dance. A chance opportunity to teach at a rehabilitation center in my native Finland transformed my perspective on movement, leading me to refocus my career on community dance and disability. I have since worked internationally, creating choreography and teaching in diverse settings, from senior centers to correctional facilities and professional dance companies. In 2016, I launched DanceCast, a podcast highlighting artists working beyond traditional dance norms, and in 2021, I co-authored Breadth of Bodies: Discussing Disability in Dance, book. With a deep commitment to expanding access to dance education, I continue to research, publish, and produce projects that challenge perceptions of who can dance and where dance happens.
Jerry Slayton, Director of Education
Jerry Slayton is an Art Educator working in Austin, TX. He holds a BFA and MFA, and has 18 years of experience working in higher education and community education settings. Jerry has specialized in teaching Graphic Design, 2d Foundations and New Media Arts to adults with and without disabilities. For the past 4 years he has served as the Director of Education for Art Spark Texas. In that time has helped secure funds through city and federal grants, and provided art opportunities to 1,000s of individuals across the state of Texas.
Kim Flor, Manager of Community Engagement
As the Founder of Flores Market and Latinfest and proud Jewish Latina, I strive to create spaces that uplift marginalized voices through meaningful events and creative, cultural programming. Outside of organizing, I channel my creativity as a Bench Jeweler under own my name, Kimberly Flor Jewelry. Being a lifetime creative with a passion for community, joining Art Spark Texas has given me the opportunity to expand my work and foster more connections within Austin's mixed-ability community.
April Sullivan
April has a BFA in Art History and spent over 30 years in Austin, TX as an Arts Administrator, with 22 of those years full-time at Art Spark Texas. She is now living a nomadic life traveling in her RV with her boyfriend and two dogs. The philosophy of arts being accessible to all people is what drew April to this organization. She continues on a part time basis with Art Spark Texas providing access services as an Audio Describer and keeping the website updated. See her visual art on Instagram @ArtworkbyAprilS