Art Spark Texas 9th Annual Artist of the Year Awards

Art Spark Texas is holding its 9th Annual Artist of the Year Awards at the Rollins Theatre at the Long Center on Sunday, September 27, from 1 PM to 4 PM. It's a free event, open to the public, and this year it's a double milestone: it's the ninth awards ceremony and the 30th anniversary of Art Spark Texas.

Every year, Art Spark Texas honors Texas artists with disabilities across visual art, dance, music, performance, craft, media, and writing. They look for people who've put together a substantial body of work, shown excellence in their craft, or acted as community catalysts for change. The ceremony itself is described as one of Austin's most inspiring, with an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming environment, free catering, and live music. The awards also include cash prizes.

Six artists are being honored this year, and the awards are named after people connected to the organization. Donna Provencher takes the Haven Street-Allen Artist of the Year Award, named for former board member Forrest Haven Street-Allen. Pebbles Wadsworth receives the Gloria Bond Creative Aging Award, named for Gloria Bond, a mother who began painting after raising her family. Glenn Towery gets the Creative Veteran Service Award, which recognizes a Texas veteran artist. Rachel Salcido is honored with the SPARK Award, Penny LeLeux takes the Lynn Marie Johnson Media Arts Award, named for former staff member Lynn Marie Johnson, and Jonah Dillon receives the Director's Commendation Award.

It's a long afternoon of recognition for artists working across a wide range of disciplines. The ceremony runs from 1 PM to 4 PM at the Rollins Theatre, 701 West Riverside Drive, and it's free and open to the public.