About

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.

Membership

With Spring 2019 registration, we began offering an Art School membership for Art School students who are not members of the museum. This membership is complimentary to anyone who signs up for a class at the Art School and is valid for one year.

Art School membership benefits include free admission to Laguna Gloria and the Jones Center on Congress Avenue, a digital membership card for easy entry, and notices of museum programming via email. Inquire about this limited-time offer at membership@thecontemporaryaustin.org

Interested in discounts on Art School classes, access to members-only exhibition openings, and more? Visit us here to become a member at a higher level and enjoy even more benefits.

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: Antora DeLong
Studio & Volunteer Coordinator: Max Brooks
Ceramics Coordinator: James Tisdale

Mailing Address:
The Art School at Laguna Gloria
3809 West 35th Street
Austin, TX 78703