Dougherty Arts Center - Programs and Events

Upcoming Events  

Artist Reception for Frequented Dreams, Perfect Proportions, and Project Pollination

Wednesday, March 19, 2025
7-9pm

Join us for a vibrant evening celebrating the work of Molly Mansfield, Tara Eales, and Sara Jane Parsons at their shared artist reception. Through painting, sculpture, and textiles, these artists explore themes of memory, self-acceptance, and our connection to the natural world. Experience Mansfield’s evocative still lifes honoring women’s roles as memory keepers, Eales’ playful textile sculptures embracing imperfection, and Parsons’ vivid works highlighting the vital relationship between food and pollinators.

Learn more about these exhibits at the Julia C. Butridge Gallery webpage.

DAC Nights: Melted Masterpieces

Wednesday, March 26, 2025 
7-9pm

RSVP on Eventbrite

Come to DAC Nights: Melted Masterpieces where we’ll be fusing memories with masterpieces by creating fuse bead art! There will be a wide variety of colors, templates, and tools to bring your artistic vision to life. Make your own keychain, coaster, or decoration with the help of our DAC Nights staff.

This event is free! Registration is encouraged, but not required.

Bottle Alley presents Self Portraits 5

Thursday, March 27 – Saturday, March 29, 2025 
8pm

Tickets at Bottle Alley Theatre's website

Bottle Alley is back and wilder than ever for the fifth edition of the smash-hit Self Portraits series! Each night, thirty brand-new pieces explode onto the stage—completely random, totally unpredictable, and chosen by THE AUDIENCE. Expect the unexpected. The only guarantee? Raw, unfiltered honesty.

Inspired by late night Chicago theater, Self Portraits is just real people sharing parts of themselves—things they’ve felt, things they’ve lived—through the DIY performance art. It’s funny. It’s sad. It’s messy. It’s electric. It’s barely controlled chaos.

Three nights only. Thirty new pieces a night. No repeats. No second chances. Don’t miss this.

Bottle Alley Theatre Company is part of the Artist Access Program, through the City of Austin’s Parks and Recreation Department, Division of Museums and Cultural Programs, and the Dougherty Arts Center.

Art in Cahoots at Dougherty Arts Center

A Pop-Up Arts Experience for Caregiver & Child
Friday, April 4, 2025
10-11am

Register online on Eventbrite

Art in Cahoots is a free one-hour event designed for prekindergarten-age students with an accompanying adult caregiver. Each will include sensory, multi-disciplinary, process-based arts activities for children and caregivers to experience together. Children can build social-emotional skills, familiarize themselves with a classroom setting, and learn while still under the wing of a trusted caregiver.

Pop-ups are scheduled on set dates and times. Event dates, times, and capacity are determined by location. Spots are limited. Registration on Eventbrite is recommended in advance to reserve your space. Drop-ins may be accepted at time of the event if vacancies are available. Children must be 2½ years of age (30 months) to attend. Planned activities will change monthly.

ARU Drag Productions presents Iconic

Friday, April 4, 2025 at 6pm
Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 5pm & 7pm Ticket information

Ticket Information for Iconic

Join ARU Drag Productions on April 4-5 for a unique drag experience as we reimagine beloved horror icons through drama, camp, and creativity. The talented cast will bring the stage to life with electrifying choreography, jaw-dropping makeup, and unforgettable performances. Audiences can look forward to high-energy dance numbers, live vocals, and jaw-dropping visuals. ARU Drag Productions has gone all out with elaborate costumes and cutting-edge lighting to create an immersive experience that embodies the essence of each icon while giving them their own creative spin.

Artist Talk for Molly Mansfield, Tara Eales, and Sara Jane Parsons 

Wednesday, April 16, 2025
7-9pm

Discover the inspirations and creative processes behind the work of Molly Mansfield, Tara Eales, and Sara Jane Parsons at their artist talk. Engaging with themes of heritage, self-acceptance, and sustainability, these artists share how their unique mediums, painting, textiles, and upcycled materials, bring their narratives to life. Join the conversation and gain insight into their artistic journeys, techniques, and the deeper stories woven into their work.

Learn more about their exhibits at the Julia C. Butridge Gallery webpage.

Art-O-Rama 

Saturday, May 10, 2025
1-4pm

Mark your calendars for the Dougherty Arts Center’s 5th Annual Art-O-Rama!

Celebrate all the possibilities when nature, art, technology and community collide. 2025 is the year Art-O-Rama goes punk. Solar punk.

Digital Programming 

The DAC is proud to offer free digital programming for the public.