Totally Cool, Totally Art (TCTA) offers free community-based arts education for teenagers who may not otherwise have such opportunities. TCTA promotes a philosophy centered on the benefits of arts education for teens and is much more than just an arts and crafts program. TCTA has taught media such as blacksmithing, computer animation, filmmaking, printmaking, installation, conceptual art, portraiture and urban painting.

Modeled as a free, after-school, arts education program, TCTA maintains a strong mentoring component both before the classes with recreation center staff and during the classes, where teens work alongside professional artists. Helping teens connect with role models in the community, the program reinforces their positive choices, gives them new experiences, builds respect and trust, keeps them out of trouble during high-risk after-school hours and improves their skills in creative expression, communication, teamwork and arts appreciation.