Art School
While we're not yet able to resume on-site classes at the Art School, we've added nearly 100 more live, online classes this summer, beginning between late May and the end of June! We're proud to offer classes for kids, teens, and adults in drawing, painting, ceramics, and more, taught by our wonderful Art School faculty in real time. Browse our online summer offerings now!
BROWSE ONLINE CLASSES
We believe experiences with art are vital to the well-being of our community, and we are eager to welcome visitors back to the Art School. At the same time, we aim to do all we can to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. To that end, both of our museum locations, including the Art School, will remain closed at this time.
Please note that there will be no on-site classes at the Art School at least through the end of June. We will continue to monitor the situation as it evolves and make decisions about July and August classes in the coming weeks.
Please contact artschool@thecontemporaryaustin.org with any questions or concerns.
Updates for Enrolled Students
If you have already registered for a summer class beginning in late May or June, you may have heard from the Art School about the current status of your class. We are still working through details on some classes, so if you have not yet heard from us, please know that we will be reaching out soon.
Supplies Updates
Children and Teen Classes: To make it easier to enroll your child in a week-long, camp-style class, we will put together supply kits that are included in the registration cost and may be picked up the week prior to your child’s class. Everything you need will be in this kit!
Adult Classes: We will provide a supply list specific to your class with items to purchase. Jerry’s Artarama has curbside pickup available for those in the Austin area. Blick Art Supplies is also available and offers nationwide shipping on supplies.
About
To better serve our students and our mission, most of our Art School classes now require a museum membership. JOIN AS A MEMBER TODAY to get started! Full details on Art School membership can be found here.
The Art School is located on the fourteen-acre Lake Austin site of historic Laguna Gloria, a natural setting conducive to the creation of art. Our studios have direct access to the outdoors, and we encourage you to explore the grounds while working on class projects. Our goal is to foster your creativity, enhance your visual awareness, and improve your technical skills in your chosen medium. Our small classes increase your interactions with our credentialed and talented faculty members.
Having recently celebrated our 50th anniversary, the Art School continues to strive to maintain the highest standards of educational excellence, offering you the added bonus of experiencing changing exhibitions at The Contemporary Austin's two locations.
There are so many ways to enjoy the Art School and our campus at the beautiful Laguna Gloria, so whether you are a beginning student, a serious amateur, or a returning artist, we invite you to enroll.
We have classes for ages four through adult.
Adult Classes: Weekdays, Evenings, and Weekends
Kids' Classes: Saturdays and Sundays, and Weeklong Camps in the Summer
Classes are offered in mediums including painting, drawing, wheel throwing (pottery), photography, Photoshop, collage, mosaics, watercolor, pastels, jewelry, glass, metal, and more! Classes start at various dates during the semester and registration is ongoing.
For more information about registering, click here.
Volunteering & Internships
The Contemporary Austin Art School accepts applications year round from volunteers ages 13 and up to assist in all classes, with a particular emphasis on children’s classes.
The Art School seeks volunteers who:
- Enjoy working with children—experience is preferred, but not required.
- Enjoy art! Again, an arts background is a plus, but not necessary.
- Are willing to make a commitment to attend all classes, arriving 15 minutes early to help with setup and staying 15 minutes late to help with cleanup.
If this sounds like you, please follow the links below to our application forms:
Teen Volunteer Application Form
Adult Volunteer Application Form
If the Art School has a volunteer opportunity that suits your stated availability and experience level, we will contact you to confirm schedules. Thank you for your interest!
Scholarships
Students and families demonstrating financial need are eligible to apply for scholarships to the Art School. We award up to two scholarships per year per individual and a maximum of two scholarships per semester per household. Download the appropriate application at the link below. For additional assistance or inquiries, please contact the Art School office at 512 323 6380 or email us at artschool@thecontemporaryaustin.org.
Printable: YOUTH (ages 4-13) Scholarship Application
Online: YOUTH (ages 4-13) Scholarship Application
Printable: TEEN (ages14-18) Scholarship Application
Online: TEEN (ages14-18) Scholarship Application
Printable: ADULT (ages 19+) Scholarship Application
Online: ADULT (ages 19+) Scholarship Application
Art School scholarships for underserved youth ages 4 through 18 and senior citizens over the age of 65 are supported by a generous $25,000 gift to the Education Fund from the Estate of Maxie G. Templeton. As the largest gift toward the scholarship program in the history of the Art School, this gift from the Templeton Estate will expand access to classes for students in need, planting the seed for lifelong participation in the arts in young learners and enriching the lives of seniors.
You, too, can make a difference in the lives of students in need by supporting Art School scholarships—make your gift to the Education Fund today!
Teaching
The Art School is always looking for excellent teachers with exciting new course ideas. We take pride in the high quality of our instruction and the student-centered learning environment offered here at the Art School. Please review our website to become familiar with the subjects we currently offer.
Faculty Requirements:
- BA or MFA in studio art, art education, or relevant teaching subject
- Minimum of 2 years' teaching experience
- Teaching certification preferred for children and teen instructors (but relevant experience may be substituted)
- Demonstrated expertise in teaching field
- High level of quality in personal artwork
- High level of personal motivation and dependability
- Ability to work independently
- Punctuality
- Skilled in organizing subject material in incremental steps designed for beginners, or whatever skill level the class encompasses
- Ability to nurture, encourage, and support the creativity of children and/or adult students
Class Submission and Instructor Application
All instructor applicants are required to submit a new class proposal at the above link. Once there, you will also attach your cover letter and résumé.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Kelcie Tisher
Administrative Manager
The Contemporary Austin Art School
ktisher@thecontemporaryaustin.org
512 323 6380
Contact
To reach the Art School staff:
Phone: 512 323 6380
E-mail: artschool@thecontemporaryaustin.org
Art School Staff
Director: Matt Hoggle
Administrative Manager: Kelcie Tisher
Registration Coordinator: Ariel Spiegelman
Studio & Volunteer Coordinator: Max Brooks
Ceramics Coordinator: James Tisdale
Mailing Address:
The Art School at Laguna Gloria
3809 West 35th Street
Austin, TX 78703