Age is an Abstraction: Totally Cool Totally Art at Mexic-Arte [Art Preview]

In a world that discourages raw expression, channeling fierce emotion into art can be a remarkable act of bravery. The teenaged artists featured in the Mexic-Arte Museum’s Totally Cool Totally Art exhibit present that bravery from every angle, including painting, drawing, dance, sculpture, and photography. The juried show will feature works by students from seventh through twelfth grade who participated in the city’s Totally Cool Totally Art parks and recreation program. Tonight’s opening reception will include Thread Fair, a fashion show showcasing designs by Austin Independent School District students. The evening promises a spirited affirmation of the power that creativity endows, and is sure to be inspiring for art lovers of all ages. Refreshments and a DJ will be provided at the reception.

Professional artists from the Dougherty Arts Center and teen coordinators from the Parks and Recreation department have partnered with the Mexic-Arte museum since 1996, making Totally Cool Totally Art an opportunity for students to engage in stimulating artistic activities after school and during peak hours of concern. This exhibition is one of few opportunities for teenagers to showcase their work in a professional museum setting. Mexic-Arte Museum's Education Outreach Coordinator, Megan Montgomery, says “I think this year's TCTA will be exceptionally exciting, as it will feature some additions to the traditional TCTA program, including artist statements that will reveal a more personal side of each of the works displayed”.

Totally Cool Totally Art will be on display at the Mexic-Arte Museum through February 26th.