Dougherty Arts Center Adult Arts Classes

Registration opens for all Spring 2025 Classes on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 10am.

Class List and Registration Page

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.

Program Information 

Ceramics 

Our Ceramics Program provides an enriching and rewarding experience for each student through continued arts education. 
Learn more about our Ceramics Program.

Painting and Drawing

The focus of the Painting and Drawing Program is on traditional mediums such as drawing, pastel, acrylic and oil painting, watercolor, and a variety of mixed media.
Learn more about our Drawing and Painting Program.

Textiles

Our Textiles program allows students to experience a time-honored tradition working with fiber, alternative materials, applications, and practice a variety of techniques.  Learn more about our Textiles Program.

Darkroom Photography

For the beginner or advanced professional we have different opportunities for students interested in using our darkroom. Learn more about our Darkroom Program.

DAC Satellite Studio Program 

DAC Adult studio classes are now available at participating recreation and senior centers through its Satellite Studio Program.  Learn more about our Satellite Studio Program

Guest Artist Program: Adult Art Classes

The Dougherty is pleased to host Guest Artist classes in order to enrich and expand our programming with adult art classes in various mediums. Our Guest Artists are Community Contract Instructors who take registration and payment directly from their students. Students do not register with the Dougherty Arts Center. 

Residency Program

The Visual Artist Residency is a work exchange program that offers an immersive professional development experience to emerging and established artists. Residency is open to visual artists who live in the Austin area (within Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, or Williamson counties). Learn more about the Visual Artist Residency.

Program Contact
Daphne Holland
Culture & Arts Education Specialist
Adult & Senior Programs 
(512)974-4033
 

Forms and Information

Teen Request

Two forms are required for students under the age of 18; these must be completed and signed by guardian before the student can register or attend class. Only ages 16 to 17 considered. Request must be submitted at least 5 business days before the class begins. Requests to attend classes with descriptions that state students must be at least 18 years old will not be approved. 

Parent completes: Teen Request Form (PDF, 695kb) 
Adult reference completes: Teen Reference Form (PDF, 663kb)

FAQ

Account creation, payment, online registration questions 

Full payment is required at the time of the registration and to secure a spot in a class, unless otherwise noted. Registrations will be accepted online, by phone at 512-974-4040, or in person at the Dougherty Arts Center front desk. No registrations will be accepted prior to 10AM on the first day of each registration date (refer to registration dates prior to submittal). 

Registrations received prior to 10AM on the first day of registration will be returned without being processed.

Online Registration FAQ

Safety and Conduct Guidelines

Safety and Conduct Guidelines

The Dougherty Arts Center promotes an environment in which all participants feel safe, secure and without obstacle to participate in their registered classes and other programs and activities. 

Unless accommodation arrangements have been made in advance with our Inclusion Office, adult and senior students must be able to participate independently in class.  

• Family, friends, children and pets are not permitted to attend with the enrolled student.  
• Students must be dressed appropriately and safely for the class, including wearing appropriate shoes, clothing and jewelry that fits properly not to catch or cause safety hazards around art supplies, chemicals, classroom tools or equipment. 

Each student is responsible for his / her own conduct.
Students who are:

• disruptive 
• who threaten, attempt injury or damage to people or property 
• who use abusive language 
• ignore staff instructions 
• behave in a manner deemed inappropriate or unsafe by staff  

The following will happen: 

Student will be removed from the class for the remainder of the session without refund, transfer or make-up. 

• Students are required to comply with all policies, procedures and direction of Dougherty Arts Center staff to ensure the safety and productivity of classes for all students.  
• Students who violate these requirements may be suspended and / or removed from the property for a specified period of time to be communicated verbally or in writing by a City of Austin employee.