Totally Cool Totally Art

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.

Soap Box Derby

Design and assemble your own soapbox derby car. Combine function and style while learning about engineering and expressing your creativity. Once your car is complete, use it to race on derby day.

Creature Creation

Sculpt and sew 3D creatures that blend traditional crafting techniques with contemporary materials. Experiment with resin casting, soft sculpture and more.

Painting and Poetry

Put your inner world onto the canvas. Use vibrant painting techniques and powerful poetic expression in a supportive, judgement free space.

Short Film

Follow each stage of production to transform an idea into a finished film. Write a script, then act as both cast and crew to bring it to life. You'll learn about camera angles, sound and editing through the provided film equipment and Ipads.

Map showing the locations of the following recreation centers: Northwest, Gus Garcia, Virgina L Brown, Turner Roberts, Montopolis, Pan Am, Mendez, Dittmar, Dove Springs, and Delores Duffie. For help locating which recreation center is near you, please contact austintexas.gov/tcta