This review is for the ceramics course offered at Dougherty! First off, I loved my instructor H.R, she was super knowledgable and eager to help everyone. She honestly made the experience great, and I would give her 5 stars any day. We were allotted a few open studio hours during the course to come in and work independently. These were pretty strictly monitored, and the weekend time slots tended to fill up quickly (understandably) For the price that I paid, I was pretty pleased with taking classes here however I would add some caveats: 1. There are a lot of restrictions here (glazes are pretty limited, you cannot make pieces larger than 8 in, can't bring in most outside glazes that are runny) 2. There were a lot of different skill levels in my class. A majority of the students seemed to be repeating students from the previous cycle, and had a lot of wheel experience. There were only 1-2 people in my class who were beginners. If I hadn't already had some exposure to the wheel, I think I would've been completely lost as most of the class time was spent on demos that the class requested instead of set lessons. If the cost wasn't almost half of what other studios in town were charging, I would probably go to another studio because of the above reasons, but honestly the deal is too good to complain. If you're able to get off the waitlist and get a class here, I'd recommend trying it out if you have some experience already! Otherwise I would try to take a more beginner friendly class elsewhere first read more

We came here to see a local theater company put on a musical comedy about the Servant Girl killer from Austin in the 1880's. It was quite fun and pretty clever. Murders and Moontowers is the name. The center is clean and well lit. Welcoming is the term I think of, inside at least. It's a bit hard to see if you are not paying attention and parking is not great. Not the worst but crowded. Inside had interesting local art, I have some pictures, and a few benches. The theater room is decent sized and you can see and hear pretty well. We were in row 3 or 4 to the right if on stage. The troupe was good and there were some clever songs. It is about an hour and while the murders do factor in its mostly about the growing city and political dealing. I know it's an art center first but two quick things. The chairs are awful. They took me out of the play several times as I could not get in a position that didn't cause pain. Two: I can go without a snack or food but I need liquids. Water, soda, something. If you don't want to sell it allow us to bring lidded bottles or Yetis. Yeti like cups wouldn't leave trash and would allow for less issues. But that said I really otherwise enjoyed this. Shana, the woman who married me, agrees place is very cool. The cast signed a book we had on the killings which was cool. The songs were mostly fun and entertaining. The cast did a good job and told a fun story in just an hour. There were a few things that felt a little out of place but overall it was a good time. read more

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Came here for the first time on free museum day. It was fun! In there front room they had a scavenger hunt for pictures. My husband and I spent quite a while doing this and had a blast. The other exhibits were small but interesting. One was pics taken during covid and the other seemed like lines of light made to look "alien". I didn't understand it but appreciated it nonetheless. I'd imagine, if there aren't any activities to do, you could spent at least 20-30 min in here. Would love to come back and see other exhibits as time goes on. read more

An amazing community space with really great class opportunities! I visited the center for the annual art event and was floored with all the classes they offer! If I was staying longer, I would certainly sign up for a pottery class. The staff were all very friendly and welcomjng read more

Dougherty Arts Center - Art - Performing Arts Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Absolutely fantastic of an evening with horror trivial. Personal contribution was highly encouraged. While I did not play the trivia game, I ran back and forth from parts of the house to join in, which I did. For example, I was providing input on Ed Wood, the original B&W version of Night of the Living Dead, Plan 9 From Outer Space and actually stumped folks on who the vampire was in The Terror of Tiny Town, which was actually made in all seriousness as a standard western (with a vampire) that made no humor about the size of little people. Great conservation, interaction and a nice night. Well done. read more

I really wanted to like this place. The building is neat, and I love participating in community events. I signed up for an 8-week ceramics class after years of wanting to learn. The first 2 classes started off with some basic lessons, but after that, we were left on our own. As an absolute beginner (does making clay faces in elementary school count?), I felt very lost and under-instructed. The rest of my class members (who I only saw on the first day, I guess they came during other hours) were more experienced and didn't need much assistance. I found myself asking a lot of questions, and then feeling guilty for pestering everyone else who was hard at work. I made a few basic pieces, but I felt like I could have made a lot more if the class had more teaching and less solo studio time. Even after days of practice (apparently you need years), I just could not master or even figure out the wheel enough to make a functional piece. The instructor showed me how to make a mug, and it was cool, but she basically made the whole thing for me. Plus, a serving bowl I had worked hard on melted and stuck to the shelf in the kiln and had to be tossed. All because the instructor accidentally fired it at the wrong setting. : ( For the price, I would say you are paying for use of the studio, and not for instruction. This is a class better suited for more experienced potters, not curious beginners. read more

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I recently saw a Christmas play here....and originally I wasn't sure what to expect considering it was my 1st time to ever enter this theater. But I'll tell ya what, although the seating area was a little small, it really fit the venue quite Superbly!! As you enter the front doors, the foyer is filled with small framed artwork and lit just bright enough to view each piece without much squinting required. In addition, the wall-to-wall artwork is pretty inviting to the Curious Eye; especially for 1st-Time Comers!! The seating area was quaint but comfortable. Padded folding chairs made up the sitting area, nothing fancy but it got the job done. The production area of the stage was easily from view-able from any seat in the house, unless you were 5 years old and sitting behind a woman wearing a large hat or Bigfoot!! It's a nice theater for small productions. :) read more

One of my favorite Austin institutions, have had nothing but very good experiences here over many years... theater, art exhibits, music performances, and four classes at the arts school Cool older building in nice location, staff is bright/cool/professional, art school faculty have been great... have yet to have a parking issue current art school classes offered: Ceramics Darkroom Photography Digital Photography DIY: Artist Development Drawing & Painting Jewelry & Metals Textiles Open Studio read more

I had such a great experience with my first watercolor class at the Dougherty I'm already signed up for two more. Watercolor was new to me but I felt Robert did a really great job of introducing the medium - there were people at all levels of experience in the class and everyone seemed to get something out of it. Each class focused on a different subject, from human form to still life to landscape. Even though my paintings are still pretty sad, I feel like I'm learning and getting better. The classes are relatively inexpensive, but beware of supply costs! Materials for my intro class ended up over $200... Granted they last much longer than the class, so you can continue to use them once you've finished. read more

I took a ceramics class here and it was wonderful! We had to bring our own clay and materials, but if your forgot, our instructor, Kori, was more than accomodating. We learned about slabs and also got to use the wheel (which was my favorite). The session was 8 weeks, met on Saturdays for 3 hours and the price was very reasonable. We got to glaze our own pieces and if you werent finished with all of your pieces by the end of 8 weeks, you could come back for the next session to finish everything which was really nice. The school has a great variety of art classes you can take, I'd highly recommend it! read more

This arts center has been most accommodating with us and our every whim was met promptly. Mary is an outstanding lady who runs the place. Thank you Dougherty for all you have done now and in the future. read more

I have taken several classes and love the Adventures in Clay taught by Linda Genet. She gives you the freedom to explore the process and styles you are interested in and has the experience and knowledge to provide guidance when you need it. I did subtract one star because the firing schedule seems very slow and some of the pieces I made were never bisque fired during the 6 week class time. My kids are now taking the Clay Buddies class. They were a little nervous to start but after the first class they were in love. On a side note: the building is super neat. It use to be a Navel training facility. read more

I came dressed for a superhero play as The Mighty Man-O-Taur! And no one really batted an eye. So, to be fair, I only visited this place for a play, and I guess they do house much much more than that. So, I'll give it 3 stars. The performance space is pretty small, though. The stage looks kinda decent, but it seemed that the backstage was rather cramped. The other issue is seating. I'd imagine there's a better way to handle all this, but I don't know what it is. You can't fit many people in there, and the rows ascend two at a time. So, if someone sits right in front of you, they're possibly RIGHT in front of you. All in all, I'm glad this place is here. The location is central, and it looks like it gets a fair bit of use from the community in more ways than what I saw tonight. read more

For 65 years, this place has been a center of the center of Austin. Granted, for the first 30 of those years, it was a Marine/Naval reserve training facility ... But hey, the Armadillo World Headquarters was a National Guard armory until 1970. I think it's a nice metaphor for Austin's growth. Next up: Camp Mabry Botanical Gardens and Meditation Park! Anyway, it looks like the Dougherty Arts Center is soon to go the way of the Armadillo: http://austin.culturemap.com/newsdetail/05-15-12-13-01-dougherty-arts-center-reaches-end-of-the-line-city-may-not-fund-new-facility/ And sadly, it seems that it won't be rebuilt. Where will the high-quality, low-cost kids' programs for South and Central Austin be in the future? I am not aware of a comparable facility anywhere in the area. The DAC is where I've seen several free art exhibits. It's where I've seen concerts and taken music lessons. I saw a 12-year-old Sarah Jarosz play with her family bluegrass band. The place is falling apart, so it's time has come. But it's a shame nothing seems to be in the works to take its place. read more

And oh what heights we'll hit. On with the show, this is it. End... scene. You have to be grateful for a community arts center where people can gather for events with a good amount of parking, find a solid rotation of interesting installments, and do one thing a lot of these spaces can not do - learn. Dougherty Arts Center has plenty of classroom and rehearsal space, and reminds me a little of some of the studios I would fashion in New York as usually unemployed actor. Having gone to a few shows and auditions there, I have some street cred for this review. Recently, I saw a review in the main stage space, and at least for this show, the theater was left me strangely concerned about space. A deep upstage area swallows minimal set pieces and the dearth of follow spot lighting eats up actors as they perform when they should be lit more intimately. That could have been a function of the show rather than the space, so the verdict is still out. Maybe not utilizing the whole stage space for certain shows is advisable. A good federal or foundation grant would give the center the next face lift it deserves. Lots of the pianos need tuning, the walls need scraping and painting, and the work spaces are cramped for the volunteers and employees. That said, the visual art space looks very good no matter what installment they have. So, curtain up, light the lights! (More of them, please!) read more

I'm hoping that this can be the most glowing review I have ever written. When I formed a theater company and began the crazy Austin process of getting established in the community, I called the Dougherty Arts center for help. There is a wonderful man named Russell, who I encourage everyone to talk with, that not only found a way to squeeze us into the already busy theater season but made the whole process ridiculously uncomplicated. The Dougherty Arts has a theater, rehearsal rooms, art/drama classes for kids and an art gallery. Everyone is exceptional. From Russell to the front desk personal who would inquire about our play every night and sneak us in a little early so we could rehearse a little more, we were amazed by how much they actually supported local artists in all forms. They have rotating pretty tremendous art exhibits and a very community air about the place. Go here to see shows, rent space ( things have to be rented faaaar in advance) or take a look at the bulletin board for upcoming artsy events. The only con is the construction..there's alot of construction around the area which makes parking dismal. There are some paid parking lots and street parking available however. Go here. read more

Dear Dougherty: How do you expect beginners at wheel throwing to learn without any open studio time?!?!? It's outrageous to me that you don't offer any!!! I am currently taking the Beginners and Beyond class and the only reason I am giving two stars is because I LOVE THE INSTRUCTOR Melissa Mencini!! That said I DON'T LIKE Dougherty Arts Center for not letting us have open studio time. I've taken classes at Laguna Gloria and there is tons of open studio time for almost the same price. I don't understand how anyone is supposed to learn wheel throwing without open studio time. If it were not for the awesome instructor (she has a lot of patience with beginners and is very knowledgable) I would have asked for a refund. I will not being returning; for future classes I will go back to Laguna Gloria for only a few more dollars. read more

I was volunteering for a program at Dougherty last Saturday and really like this place! They have labs for different classes and it is definitely very kid friendly for those who are looking for events for the kids to do during the weekend. I would like to come back and take some art classes soon. read more

Recently performed here for the first time. Plenty of dressing rooms and rehearsal space, which is so important for a show with over 30 dancers! Very nice lobby and clean, bathrooms very clean as well. I also have been to see a show here, and though the theater is small, the acoustics are good, and it's a good view from every seat. The only downside is that parking is limited, but it's not too hard to park in the garage at the Long Center and walk over. If I had a small show to produce, this theater would be a top choice! read more

I want to give Dougherty more than 3 stars but the class time offerings have kept me from taking more classes :( I wish there were more times available. Hubs and I got lucky and found an Expressive Drawing class on Saturdays with Heidi Schlenk and we had a great time. She was so motivating and kind and could always find something beautiful in your drawing. Her class was something we looked forward to every weekend. BUT, we haven't been able to find any other classes we're interested on Saturdays :( A lot of the classes are offered on a weeknight, which would work for me, but the hubs works late, so we wouldn't be able to take a class together. It would just be great if there were more Saturday offerings! Also, we bought so many supplies for the class and ended up spending probably $180 but we could've easily taken the class and been OK not getting everything on the list because we didn't use a lot of it. read more

I have taken Janet Coplin's clay classes at the Dougherty Arts Center since 2002. I have both loved and enjoyed each session I participated in, as much the first time as the current. It seems there is always something new to learn about creating ceramic art works. Janet's classes offer a wide range of methods of creating ceramic art, and in a way that a beginner, intermediate, or advanced student can absorb. I highly recommend her classes to anyone interested in learning about ceramic art or adding to their knowledge of ceramic art. Her current classes are "A Touch of Clay" and "Earth, Fire, Water = Clay". read more

I make every effort to visit the Dougherty Arts Center Gallery each month for their ever-changing exhibits. Excellent themes and creative displays center around many local artists of all ages. The building is located in a beautiful area of Barton Springs Road with shady parking in front. Visitors are always welcomed by the friendly staff. I LOVE this little gallery ! ! read more

There's lots of parking and a great new park right next to it now! This is truly a community arts center. Great classes too!

I took my child out of the after school program and we asked for a refund before the month started. They wouldn't give us all our money back which is just wrong. The reason we quit taking her is that she is super unhappy with it. She cries every day and doesn't want to go. They have to ride a bus for almost an hour to get there and then go straight outside for an hour. It is hot and she is tired. We paid for ART not outside. There isn't much art anyway. She has 3 classes they rotate between. She won't be going back. The school bus driver also yells at the kids. This has nothing to do with Dougherty but I just wish they could pick up their kids at the school like most after school programs. She won't be back. read more

I've held a couple auditions for short films in their blue and yellow rooms, and they have worked out great! The people there seem very accommodating and the art galleries that rotate in always are worth a look. read more

This place has the best program for pre-school social time. 3hr classes 2days a week. Loving, creative, and just jaw-dropping wonderful.

Great selection of art/photography classes for adults, reasonably priced.

Our almost first-grader attended the creativity club after school program for about half the school year and just finished two summer arts adventure camp sessions. It's been an awesome experience - excellent programming, instructors, and facilities. I love that DAC is part of our community and our son feels at home there, which enables him to explore and learn both creatively and socially. The staff are all amazing, and it's one of the more affordable after school/summer camp options. We'll definitely be back next year! read more