Deep in the heart of the Lone Star State, known to most as Texas, there are young, daring artists like no others in the world. They call themselves the "Texan Tornado Painters," led by the funniest, friendliest cowboy around, 'Picasso Pete,' who surprisingly, rather than riding horses, rides a multicolored unicorn named Hue. Pete’s cowboy hat is no ordinary headgear. It’s a magical hat that drips a myriad of colors, which he catches with his paintbrush and uses to paint the world brighter. He teaches the Texan Tornado Painters, a group of spirited Texas kids, how to make masterpieces that would make the stars in the Texas sky twinkle in admiration. Whether they're in Houston, Dallas, Austin or anywhere in between, every weekend, these kids dip their brushes in their palettes filled with shades of the Texas sunset, colors of the Bluebonnet flowers, the greens from the cacti and the browns of the cowboy boots. With each stroke, they create art that echoes the joyous spirit of Texas, making the Longhorn cattle moo in approval and the armadillos do a little joyous roll. And oh, these kids don’t just paint; they paint with a Texas-sized gusto, adding laughter and creativity into every artwork. Some say that whenever a Texan Tornado Painter completes a painting, a new star appears in the Texas night sky. So, if you ever find yourself under the Texas sky filled with countless stars, remember that each one was put there by a Texan Tornado Painter, pushing their brush across canvas, under the watchful eye of their leader, Picasso Pete, and his trusty unicorn, Hue.
Read morebest painting programs in Austin, TX
DEBUT Creative Center & Theater-Studio is a dual-language (English–Russian) program where kids explore creativity, confidence, and self-expression. From theater and dance to fencing and stage performance, children can try new activities and discover their unique talents. Small class sizes let instructors give each child personalized attention, helping them feel comfortable, supported, and confident as they learn. Kids build artistic skills while also developing social confidence, teamwork, and poise on stage and in everyday life. Our programs celebrate each child’s individuality, combining fun, hands-on experiences with a focus on personal growth—all while keeping Russian language and culture an important part of the curriculum.
At ASC, we prioritize the growth and development of our campers. We aim to foster a sense of independence and boost confidence in their unique abilities. Our objective is not just to provide an adventurous experience, but also an environment where they can explore new things and are comfortable in expressing their true selves. We recognize the significance of cultivating meaningful relationships with others. We encourage our campers to become better friends, to collaborate effectively in a team, and promote peaceful conflict resolution. It's not just about the individual, but about how they contribute to a positive social dynamic. We inspire our campers to have a curiosity for exploration. The world is a beautiful place to discover and we foster a sense of respect for the environment and all its inhabitants. Above all, we want our campers to develop a deep love for Austin Sunshine Camps just as much as we cherish them. Austin Sunshine Camps has been offering enjoyable, overnight summer camp programs to children in the greater Austin area, completely free of cost since 1928. We continue this tradition by offering free programs to not only returning campers but also new campers who either meet the eligibility for free or reduced school meals or are part of the foster care system. We believe in providing an enriching summer experience without any financial burdens.