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.

A New Season of Free Teen Art Classes Begins October 27A chart showing the schedule of when different classes are at different recreation centers. Session 1 runs from October 27 to December 4, session 2 runs from December 8 to January 29, Session 3 runs from February 2 to March 5, and Session 4 runs from March 9 to April 16. The different classes are Soap Box Derby, Sculpture, Painting and Poetry, and Short Film. To figure out which classes are offered near you and when, please email tcta@austintexas.gov

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. 

Sculpture

Create innovative 3D artworks 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. 

A map showing the locations of the following recreation centers: Northwest, Gus Garcia, Virginia L Brown, Turner Roberts, Montopolis, Oswaldo A.B Cantu/Pan Am, Mendez, Dittmar, and Dove Springs. For assistance figuring out which recreation centers are near you, please email tcta@austintexas.gov

To sign up now, call the recreation center that you're interested in attending. 

Dittmar Recreation Center: (512) 974-6090

Dove Springs Recreation Center: (512) 974-3840

Gus Garcia Recreation Center: (512) 978-2525

Montopolis Recreation Center: (512) 978-2300

Northwest Recreation Center: (512) 974-6972

Oswaldo A.B. Cantu/Pan American Recreation Center: 512-978-2425

Turner-Roberts Recreation Center: (512) 978-2690

Virginia L Brown Recreation Center: (512) 974-7865

Online registration will be available soon.

Forms and Documents

A Review of the 2024 - 2025 TCTA Season

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

The Final Cookdown: Teen Cooking Show

TCTA Film: Sweet, Sweet, Pastry Delights

To view our entire collection of short films, gallery walkthroughs, past performances and more, visit TCTA'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

Related Links
Facebook Page
Instagram TCTA
The National Recreation and Parks Association remarks on TCTA