Person walking a dog on a paved trail by a river lined with trees

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.

Class Schedule

Painting and Drawing

Get ready to mix, splatter, spray, and create! From spray paint to brushwork, we’ll have the most colorful fun possible!

Metals and Mixed Media

Explore the basics of metalsmithing! Like Sawing, bending, and wire wrapping. Combine found objects and recycled materials to create unique sculptures, wall hangings, and altars!

Digital Art and Animation

Design original characters, build incredible new worlds, and animate their adventures! Bring imagination to life digitally
with movement, personality, and plenty of fun!

Sculpture and Games

Work as a team to make mini-golf holes, carnival games, and more! Design your own epic foam sculptures by adding, removing, scraping, and sanding forms into unique creations!

How to Sign Up

Delores Duffie Recreation Center: (512) 978-2465
Dittmar Recreation Center: (512) 974-6090
Dove Springs Recreation Center: (512) 974-3840
Gus Garcia Recreation Center: (512) 978-2525
Mendez Recreation Center: (512) 978-2399
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

A Review of the 2024 - 2025 TCTA Season

Take a glimpse into what we achieved during our last season of TCTA.

A Year in Review (2024 - 2025)

Check out these highlights of the creative magic from the past TCTA season.

The Final Cookdown: Teen Cooking Show

Cheese and Cornstarch abound at Dittmar Recreation Center on episode 1 of the Final Cookdown.

Sweet, Sweet, Pastry Delights!

This video was created during TCTA's 2025 Summer Film Camp. It was a collaborative effort between the students and instructors and was entirely filmed in one day.

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