Texas State Parks Host Arts Workshops Through February

Media Contact: Tara Humphreys (512) 308-1475 icle__media__contact">Media Contact: Tara Humphreys (512) 308-1475 or Tara.Humphreys@tpwd.texas.gov; April Sullivan (512) 454-9912 or april@vsatx.org

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Join VSA Texas artists in January and February for nature-inspired workshops in music, visual arts, storytelling, and more!

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AUSTIN— Texas state parks and VSA Texas, the state organization on arts and disability, are partnering to host a series of arts workshops in state parks for all visitors.

“State parks across Texas are wonderful places to inspire the artist in each of us,” says Chris Holmes, director of interpretive services for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “We developed some non-traditional programs to pique the interest of both frequent and new visitors who typically wouldn’t visit state parks. Our end goal is to create a one-of-a-kind experience for everyone who comes out to enjoy their state parks.”

All workshops are free with regular park admission, but some require prior registration.

The workshops featured in January and February are:

Native Fibers — Learn the techniques of hand paper-making using a portable Hollander beater attached to a bicycle. Learn about native and non-native plants of the region while pedaling your way into the creative arts. Open to the first 30 participants (children and adults). Register by contacting Inks Lake State Park headquarters at (512) 793-2223, ext. 6. Malachi Muncy will teach the course.

  • Where: Inks Lake State Park, 3630 Park Road 4 West, Burnet, TX 78611, at campsites 219 and 220
  • When: Saturdays, Jan. 17, Feb. 14, Feb. 28 from 1- 3 p.m.

Animal Adventures — What animals live at Purtis Creek State Park? Learn about these animals and their adventures through exploration, discussion and coloring. Open to the first 20 participants between 5-10 years old. We request that parents stay in the area for supervision. Register by contacting Purtis Creek State Park Headquarters at (903) 425-2332. Edie Bakker will teach the course.

  • Where: Purtis Creek State Park, 14225 FM 316, Eustace, TX 75124, in the picnic pavilion
  • When: Saturdays, Jan. 17, Feb. 14, Feb. 28 from 2 — 3:30 p.m.

Mandalas in the Park - Create a group mandala using found objects from nature in the surrounding environment. Using biodegradable materials allows the artwork to blend into the landscape. Please bring local sticks, branches, rocks and acorns. The workshop is open to the first 20 children and adults. Register by contacting Niki Lake at (210) 688-9055, ext. 292 or niki.lake@tpwd.texas.gov . Workshop led by Salina Loriaux.

  • Where: Government Canyon State Natural Area, 12861 Galm Road, San Antonio, TX 78254, in the pavilion
  • When: Sundays, Jan. 18, Feb. 1, Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. — 2 p.m.

Voice Lessons for Beginning Singers — Feeling inadequate as a singer? Get outside and sing with the birds! Learn about breathing, pitch, fitness, posture and vocal exercise from a classically trained musician in this fun workshop in nature. Workshop is outdoors, so please dress for the weather. Open to children and adults, and led by Una Lau. No registration required.

  • Where: Brazos Bend State Park, 21901 FM 762, Needville, TX 77461, in the Hale Lake Group Picnic Pavilion
  • When: Sundays, Jan. 18, Feb. 1, Feb. 22 from 2 — 4 p.m.

When Nature Sings — Those connected to an indigenous culture know that – everyday — nature communicates with humanity through expressive performances that bring meaning to life. In this workshop, participants will learn about Taino spirituality through inspirational anecdotes, role playing and music making featuring the native flute. Open to children and adults, and led by Tekina-eirú, a proud blood descendent of the native Tainos of Puerto Rico. No registration required.

  • Where: McKinney Falls State Park, 5808 McKinney Falls Parkway, Austin, TX 78744, in the amphitheater
  • When: Saturdays, Jan. 31, Feb. 7, Feb. 21 from 2 — 4 p.m.

*McKinney Falls State Park does not have an accessible restroom.

All workshops are being offered in a location in the park that is wheelchair accessible. To request further accommodations, please contact the park at least two weeks prior to the workshop. For more information, please visit www.vsatx.org or www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks.