Looking for a creative activity the whole family can enjoy? A new community art series is bringing free, all-ages visual art classes to Oak Cliff this August.
Artist, educator, designer, and cultural leader Julia Alcántara will lead a series of community-centered art sessions at La Cantera Arts Conservatory, giving children, teens, and adults an opportunity to experiment with different artistic techniques in a welcoming environment.
The best part? No previous art experience is required, and all materials are provided.
Classes are offered by donation to help make the program accessible to Dallas residents of all income levels.
🎨 Free Art Classes in Dallas
The series takes place throughout August and includes several different class formats, giving participants the chance to explore a variety of artistic styles and techniques.
Classes include:
🖼️ Still Life & Composition
Explore form, light, and classical drawing techniques.
🎭 Life Drawing
Focus on anatomy, gesture, and expressive mark-making.
🎨 Student’s Choice Sessions
Participants can help choose the creative direction, with possible topics including portraiture, abstraction, mixed media, and creative expression.
The program is designed for all skill levels, from beginners to more advanced artists.
👨👩👧👦 Families Are Welcome
This isn’t an adults-only art class.
Kids, teens, and adults are all welcome, and families are encouraged to participate together.
Whether your child already loves drawing and painting or simply wants to try something new, the classes offer a low-pressure opportunity to explore creativity.
No special supplies are needed. Organizers will provide the materials, including items such as canvas boards, paper, collage materials, markers, and paint pens.
Participants simply need to show up ready to create.
📅 2026 Class Schedule
The series includes six class sessions in August:
Monday, August 17
Still Life & Composition
Thursday, August 20
Life Drawing
Sunday, August 23
Student’s Choice Session
Monday, August 24
Still Life & Composition
Thursday, August 27
Life Drawing / Student’s Choice programming
Sunday, August 30
Student’s Choice Session
Each class is approximately 1½ hours.
🖼️ See the Artwork at the September Exhibition
The series will culminate with a free public art show and reception on Sunday, September 6.
The exhibition will showcase selected artwork created during the classes, giving participants an opportunity to share their work with family, friends, and the broader Dallas community.
It’s a great way for kids and adults who participate in the classes to see their creative work become part of a public exhibition.
👩🎨 Meet the Instructor: Julia Alcántara
Julia Alcántara is an artist, educator, designer, and cultural leader with more than three decades of experience working with visual art and creative education.
She holds a BFA in Studio Art and a BA in Art History from the University of New Mexico. Her background also includes studying Flamenco music, dance, and history.
Her combination of studio practice, art history, design, and cultural experience informs her approach to teaching and creative expression.
