Totally Cool Totally Art. Featuers a graphic of a teen with a spray paint can.

Totally Cool Totally Art (TCTA) has been cultivating creative teens since 1996. TCTA is unique in that the classes are completely free to Austin's youth teen community. Teens will learn various techniques by working directly alongside professional artists. The program reinforces positive choices by offering art appreciation in a mentoring environment. TCTA is built to help give teens new experiences, build respect and trust, keep them out of trouble during high-risk after school hours and improve their skills in creative expression, communication, teamwork and arts appreciation.

This season we're offering classes in metal-smithing, sculpture, the culinary arts, and traditional/digital painting.

Metal-smithing

Receive hands-on instruction in cutting, shaping, and soldering metal pieces. Create simple jewelry or decorative items that fit your style with the help of tools such as saws, hammers, and pliers.

Sculpture

Work alone or collaborate in creating abstract art, functional pieces and character sculptures. Turn clay, wire, and found objects into 3D masterpieces.

Culinary

An old TCTA favorite returns! Practice using kitchen tools paired with proper technique to serve up dishes that look as good as they taste. Learn how to use seasonal produce, proteins, and spices to level up your cooking.

Traditional and Digital Painting

This year, painting and digital art are coming together. Sketch, shade, and blend on a canvas or on a screen. Create character designs, landscapes, or abstract pieces unique to your personal expression.

For assistance in understanding our schedule, please reach out via (512)978-2477. Session 1 runs from November 4th to December 13th. Sculpture class will be at Delores Duffie on Monday and Wednesday from 6-8pm and at Dove Springs on Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30-7:30pm. Painting class will be at Gus Garcia on Monday and Wednesday from 5:30-7:30pm and at Turner Roberts on Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30-7:30pm. Metal-smithing will be at Oswaldo A.B. Cantu/Pan Am and Mendez on Monday and Wednesday at 6-8pm and at Northwest on Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30-7:30pm. Culinary class will be at Dittmar on Monday and Wednesday from 6-8pm and at Virginia L. Brown on Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 - 7:30pm. Session 2 goes from December 16 to January 31, 2025. Session 3 runs from February 3, 2025 to March 7 , 2025. And session 4 runs from March 10, 2025 to April 17, 2025. A map of Austin using colored dots to mark where participating recreation centers are located.  The key the shows the names of the centers featured on the map. From top to bottom: Northwest, Gus Garcia, Virginia L. Brown, Turner-Roberts, Delores Duffie, Oswaldo A.B. Cantu/Pan Am, Mendez, Dittmar, Dove Springs. For help locating which participating recreation centers are near you, please reach out to (512)978-2477

Online Registation

Forms and Documents

A Review of the 2023 - 2024 TCTA Season

Check out this glimpse into what we achieved during our last season of TCTA.

Making a 7-Foot-Tall Styrofoam Sculpture

TCTA Film: Cards of Darkness

 

To view our entire collection of short films, gallery walkthroughs, past performances and more, visit TCTA Film’s YouTube.

Online Art Tutorials

Bored at home check out the Art Tutorials below

TCTA is going Virtual with Videos, DIY Projects and Lessons!

Follow us on Social Media

Click above to keep up to date with the latest information by following us on social media!

Watch us on CityView

Program Staff

TCTA Coordinator - Clint Hofmeister

(512) 978-2476

TCTA Specialist - Kelly Hasandras

(512) 978-2477

TCTA Marketing & Graphics - Rachel Ditzig

(512) 978-2478