Artie Mills -
Haven-Street Allen Artist of the Year

Karen (aka Artie) is a disabled veteran, small business owner and vibrant human with a mission to spread kindness and cheer. She owns THOSE Vending Machines, Austin’s Weirdest Vending Machines. THOSE vending machines provide a way for marginalized artists to sell their wares, fee free, in unusual locations around town.

Artie is not only a passionate artist and advocate for people with disabilities and devoted mother of two children with autism, her strength as a disabled veteran adds an important diversity to Austin’s artistic community.

The Haven Street-Allen Artist of the Year Award honors an individual whose work affirms that the power of an artistic spirit, combined with determination and will, can influence and shape our society. Each year, this award is given to an artist with a disability in Texas who embodies the vision of Art Spark Texas. Through a selfless effort and/or body of work, this artist models inclusion and serves as a catalyst for change. This award is named for former Board member Forrest Haven Street-Allen and honors her commitment to create positive change in the lives of people with disabilities.

Abby Kenigsberg -
Gloria Bond Creative Aging Award

Abby believes laughter is the shortest distance between people. In her book, Shenanigans, a memoir about a woman who became a successful media watchdog as well as a more sympathetic wife, mother and daughter, she chronicles her adventures as the founding Executive Director of the Long Island Coalition for Fair Broadcasting.

Most recently, at age 85, she wrote and directed a comedic play called, "Ficklebrott," which she corralled her fellow residents to perform at Westminster in Austin.

The Gloria Bond Creative Aging Award honors an older artist who continues to express their creativity and/or demonstrates a willingness to explore new art forms as they age. Each year, this award is given to a Texas artist who exemplifies the vital aging philosophy of Art Spark Texas. This award is named in honor of Gloria Bond, a mother who began her painting career after raising her family, and who instilled her love for the arts in everyone she touched throughout her life.

The Spinrockers,
Devin Gutierrez and Mary Rose Bushland -
SPARK Award

The Spinrockers is a pop rock duet that writes and performs original music. Devin Gutierrez (instrumentalist and vocalist) and Mary Rose Bushland (vocals and piano) met at Texas School for Blind and Visually Impaired where they formed The Spinrockers.

When The Spinrockers first began, Devin and Mary Rose entertained the nation through the "Live from the Living Room Concert Series" during the COVID-19 quarantine. They have since created their own original music which seeks to inspire others with disabilities. Friends say that music lives in their souls.

The SPARK Award honors an up-and-coming artist who represents the inclusive, arts-inspired world that Art Spark Texas works to create every day. Each year, this award is given to an emerging Texas artist with a disability whose infectious and innovative spirit shifts perceptions of what people with disabilities can achieve. Small but mighty, a spark – when nurtured and cared for – can fuel great things.

HPUMC Spotlight Academy of the Arts -
Lynn Marie Johnson Media Arts Award

Spotlight Academy of the Arts' Short Film Program gives voice to individuals with disabilities and a means to share their experiences with the world. For the past six years, the Spotlight Academy has premiered an original film every August.

This award-winning inclusive film project is a program of the Belong Disability Ministry of Highland Park UMC in Dallas. Its aim is to promote individuality, originality and disability advocacy.

The Lynn Marie Johnson Media Arts Award honors an artist who displays passion and commitment to the promotion and awareness of people with disabilities in our digital world. Each year, this award is given to an artist with a disability in Texas whose work as producer, artist, writer, director or other creative in the media arts embodies the mission of Art Spark Texas. This award is named for former staff member Lynn Marie Johnson and reflects her unwavering advocacy for artists with disabilities in the media arts.

Christina Culverhouse - Director's Commendation

Christina is an eclectic artist involved in the arts, jewelry making, poetry and open mic community.

“I create to give voice and language to express that for which there are no words.”

She attends numerous poetry groups every month to advocate for people with disabilities and has published several books featuring local poets and Artists from Austin and beyond.

The Director’s Commendation is chosen by the Award Nomination Team and is given every year to an artist who shines a light on the inclusive world that Art Spark strives to create every day.