The Dougherty Arts Center provides a variety of educational arts classes and programs for students of all ages. Call 512-974-4040 or email DACSchool@austintexas.gov for more information.
Adult Studio Classes | Youth Arts Programs
Adult Studio Classes
The Dougherty Arts Center's Adult Studio program is dedicated to enriching the Austin community with hands-on artistic opportunities. Classes and workshops are taught by skilled artists that are committed to sharing their knowledge and exploring new ideas with students.
Registration is open for all Summer 2025 Classes.
Adult Studio Class List and Registration
Online registration ends several days before classes begin. Early registration is encouraged to ensure classes meet their minimum enrollment and to have the best chance to secure a space before the class is full. We have limited ability to register students over the phone, if you have issues registering online, contact our registration office at 512-974-4040 or via email at dacschool@austintexas.gov.
Programming is subject to change.
Adult Studio Programs
- Ceramics
The DAC Ceramics Program is designed to create a supportive atmosphere where students learn from each other. Advanced students are welcome in any class to work on improving their skills. Instructors provide self-paced demos throughout class time and will work with students based on their interests in learning wheel, hand building, sculpture or figurative work. Please note the specialties provided in each description. Instructors also provide proper glazing, decoration techniques and most importantly developing your artistic expression.
Meet The Instructors
Chelsea Biggerstaff
Chelsea is the owner of her ceramic business, Uh Oh by Chelsea. She also leads the Faculty Development Office at Austin Community College and serves on the Curatorial Board for Future Front Texas, championing women and LGBTQ+ creatives.
Clayton Coulson
Clayton Coulson is a ceramic artist born and raised in Texas. He studied studio art with a concentration in ceramics at Texas State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts. While primarily interested in sculptural work, he employs hand-building techniques to create functional ware that blends the line between utilitarian and sculptural.
Ashley Dodd
Ashley Dodd, also known as Earthy Ashley, has explored a variety of ceramic techniques since 2008 ranging, from hand-building to wheel throwing, altering her pieces into organic forms.
Emily Rives
Emily Rives is a Fine Artist with a BFA from Ringling College of Art and Design, and has exhibited around Texas, Florida, New York, Utah, and Belgium.
Ben Siekierski
Ben Siekierski received his BFA from The Rocky Mountain School of Art and Design in 2018. His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, with recent shows including Home, Alone at Tutu Gallery and various projects with P.A.D in New York City.
- Darkroom Photography
The DAC Darkroom Photography Program offers classes for any adult to learn, practice and grow as a photographer. Classes are designed to teach students how to use a manual film camera, develop film and make unique darkroom prints. Classes welcome all skill levels, from beginners to advanced professionals. Students enrolled in classes will have access to 5 Omega D2 enlargers and have the ability to print from 35mm through 4x5, 1 Super Chromega D enlarger. Film development is available as well as print black & white fiber or RC prints up to 16"x20".
Meet the Instructors
Jessica Attie
Jessica Attie is an Austin based editorial and commercial photographer specializing in food and portraits. She graduated in photography at the top of her class at St. Edward’s University where she learned how to be an artist from compassionate and beautiful teachers.
Holly Findlater
Holly earned her B.F.A at the University of Washington, Seattle and studied in the Digital Arts and New Media Graduate Program at University of California, Santa Cruz. She is a multimedia artist working in photography, sound, video, and installation.
- Drawing and Painting
The focus of the DAC Drawing & Painting Program is on traditional mediums such as drawing, pastel, acrylic and oil painting, watercolor, and mixed media. Skilled instructors work with all skill levels, providing demos, instruction and feedback. Small classes ensure enough space and quality instruction.
Meet the Instructors
Andrea Muñoz Martinez
Andrea Muñoz Martinez is an alumnus of The University of Texas BFA program and UC Davis MFA Program. Her work can be found in the public collection at The Center for the Study of the Southwest, in private collections around the world and at Art For The People Gallery.
David Thornberry
David Thornberry earned both a BFA and MFA from Kent State University. He went on to earn his teaching certification from West Liberty State College. He also teaches at at Austin Community College, Laguna Gloria and the Waldorf School.
Linda Wandt
Linda Wandt is a representational oil painter and muralist. Originally from Long Island, NY, she moved to Texas in 1999 and attended The University of Texas at Austin where she obtained a BA in Studio Art, then studied painting and drawing with a local atelier.
- Textiles & Fiber Arts
The DAC Textile & Fiber Art Program welcomes students to explore the wide range of fiber art practices such as traditional weaving, papermaking, embroidery, and natural fabric dyeing techniques. Experienced instructors provide a friendly, enriching and rewarding experience for each student to express their creativity and learn new skills. Students enrolled in traditional weaving classes have access to ball winders, swifts, warping boards, a weaving library including image reference material and ample space for warping and weaving. They may use 15" tapestry frame looms, 10", 16" or 25" rigid heddle looms or standard inkle looms for belt weaving up to 4.5" wide.
Meet The Instructors
Cidnye Stott
Cidnye has been fascinated by yarn from a young age. She currently teaches beginning weaving classes at the Dougherty Arts Center, where she loves to introduce the various ways to play with color and texture on a rigid heddle loom.
Youth Arts Programs
DAC Youth programs provide youth ages 2-12 with a supportive, collaborative space to socialize with peers, learn about art in various forms, explore process-focused activities, and express themselves creatively.
After School
Summer Camp
Early Childhood
Registration
- Account Creation, Online Registration, & FAQ
- Have Further Questions? Need Additional Assistance?
Financial Aid
Accessibility Services
The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the City of Austin ADA Coordinator David Ondich at ada@austintexas.gov or 512-974-3256.