Frequently Asked Questions

The Art School is part of The Contemporary Austin and can be found at the historic Laguna Gloria site, located at 3809 West 35th Street. The downtown exhibition space for The Contemporary is the Jones Center, located at 700 Congress Ave.

Q. How do I register for classes?

A: You may register Online, Phone, or in person at Laguna Gloria.

Online: Click here to view Art School course offerings. Click the "Register Now" button within the listing of the course you wish to take. Create a new Active student profile, complete the checkout and all necessary forms and Submit.

By Phone: Call (512) 323-6380, Monday through Sunday, between 9 am and 4 pm.

In person: Stop by The Art School registration office at Laguna Gloria (3809 W. 35th St., First building on the left once you enter the grounds)

Q: What are The Art School's Office Hours?

A: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday through Sunday.

Q: Who can attend classes at The Art School?

A: Anyone! Adult classes are available for ages 18+. Children's classes are available by age group starting as young as 4 years old. Teen classes and Parent/Child workshops are also available. Please note that most of our classes require a museum membership.

Q: When can I register for classes?

A. Registrations are accepted all throughout the semester. Register early to secure your place in a high demand class!

Q: When is tuition due?

A: Tuition is due in full at the time of registration.

Q: Is college credit available at The Art School?

A: The Art School is not an accredited institution.

Q: Do you have classes throughout the year?

A: The Art School has three semesters annually:
Spring: late January through mid-May
Summer: late May through August
Fall: mid-September through mid-December

Q: Are there prerequisites for any courses?

A: Check course descriptions as prerequisites may apply for certain courses.

Q: Where do classes meet?

A: Most classes meet at the Laguna Gloria location; however a few classes are offsite. Click below for directions.

The Contemporary Austin at the Jones Center
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Map to Laguna Gloria
Map of Laguna Gloria studio locations

Q: Are your classrooms wheelchair accessible?

A: Yes, Laguna Gloria Studios 1 through 8 have ground floor entrances.

Q: Do you offer any financial assistance?

A: Need-based scholarships are available. For online applications for students ages 4-14 click here, for students ages 14-18 click here, and for students ages 18+ click here Printable applications for youths ages 4-14 click here, for students 14-18 click here and for students 18+ click here. Mail scholarship requests to The Art School, 3809 W. 35th St. Austin, TX 78703. Please allow up to 4 weeks for processing. We award up to two scholarships per calendar year per individual and a maximum of two scholarships per semester per household.

Q: What if I can't attend a class I am registered for?

A: If you withdraw from a class before it begins with a minimum of 7 days notice, you will be refunded your tuition minus a $30 cancellation fee. Due to instructor/school preparation costs, no refunds will be granted 6 days or fewer prior to the class start date.

Q: Can I switch to another class?

A: Due to the large volume of students, there will be a $30 transfer fee each time you switch a class. Due to instructor/school preparation costs, no transfers will be granted 7 days or fewer prior to the class start date.

Q: What about parking?

A: Parking on-campus at Laguna Gloria is reserved for TCA staff, Art School Faculty, visitors/students who are pregnant or have ADA certification, and event vendors. Students are invited to park along West 35th St. both in the laneway leading to the lake and along the street-parking spaces extending from Laguna Gloria towards Camp Mabry and beyond. Please be aware that parking for Laguna Gloria is not permitted at the neighboring Mayfield Nature Preserve. And remember to take any valuables in your car with you.

ART SCHOOL PARKING EXCEPTIONS
-Art School Students may park on-site for evening classes from 5:30 pm on if there are no other TCA Events taking priority.
-TCA events or partnerships may require special parking plans to be implemented by the Operations Department. Any changes to the standard parking policy in light of events will be relayed to students via email.
-TCA Leadership can change or alter this policy at any time.

*If you require any parking accommodation, please feel free to reach out to the Art School office via phone call or email for assistance.

Q: Can I buy food onsite?

A: Yes. Breakfast and lunch are served during museum open hours Wednesday-Sunday from 8:30A-3P at Spread & Co, located next to the Visitor Information building. Please feel free to bring your own food or snacks, but keep in mind that no refrigeration is available. The Casis Village Shopping Center, which is just a few minutes down Exposition Blvd., has a few options, including Starbucks, Randall's, and Food Food.

Q: What about cancelled classes?

A: If a class is canceled by The Art School, participants in the class will be notified and offered a full refund.

Q: I know I have a profile but I have forgotten my login.

A: First try your email address. Otherwise please, call the office at (512) 323-6380 and we will send your profile information and help you register.

Q: If I sign up my child for a morning and afternoon class in the Summer, will supervision be provided during the lunch hour?

A: There is no adult supervision for children during the lunch hour. A parent or guardian MUST pick them up from the morning class and drop them off at their afternoon class.