Fine Arts Institute

At the Fine Arts Institute, we open our doors to our local artistic community as a place to learn anew or expand on existing creative skills. Our classes and workshops are open to the public, those 18 years and older. Our goal is to provide community learning opportunities that utilize the university’s state-of-the-art facilities. From woodworking, metalworking, ceramics, textiles, digital art, and more, the FAI wants you to push your creative boundaries in our creative setting. All experience levels are welcome.

Please direct your Fine Arts Institute inquiries to 859-207-8919 or fineartsevents@uky.edu.

Summer 2024

Registration for Summer classes opens Wednesday April 24th.

In the meantime several workshops for the Spring session are still upcoming in April-May, and currently available for registration!

Participation and Cancellation policies can be found below in the Frequently Asked Questions section. If you have any questions please contact us, 859-207-8919 or fineartsevents@uky.edu.

Classes

Take part in one of these 3-12 week courses offered by our expert instructors. Classes usually meet once a week in the evening.

Ceramics Classes

Beginning Ceramics - Summer 1

An assortment of student bisque fired and partially glazed pottery in progress.

TIME & DATES: Thursdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, May 24th to June 27th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 140
INSTRUCTOR: Jill Coldiron
CLASS FEE: $240
MATERIALS FEE: Class fee includes clay, use of available glazes, and firing.

Try your hand at the potter’s wheel or hand building. Focus will be placed on developing basic skills and the use of clay as an art form. This class is designed for those with little or no experience in ceramics. Please wear clothes appropriate for making ceramics—you will get dirty and that’s part of the fun!

For more information on course content and what to expect in the classroom, contact Jill Coldiron at maincrossart@gmail.com.


Advanced Ceramics - Summer 1

A multitude of glazed pots packed into a kiln before firing.

TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, May 21st to June 25th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 140
INSTRUCTOR: Jill Coldiron
CLASS FEE: $240
MATERIALS FEE: Class fee includes clay, use of available glazes, and firing.

This class is designed for those with previous experience in ceramics. Develop your skills in wheel-throwing and hand building. The focus will be on individual ideas and projects.

For more information on course content and what to expect in the classroom, contact Jill Coldiron at maincrossart@gmail.com.


Beginning Ceramics - Summer 2

An assortment of student bisque fired and partially glazed pottery in progress.

TIME & DATES: Thursdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, July 11th to August 16th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 140
INSTRUCTOR: Jill Coldiron
CLASS FEE: $240
MATERIALS FEE: Class fee includes clay, use of available glazes, and firing.

Try your hand at the potter’s wheel or hand building. Focus will be placed on developing basic skills and the use of clay as an art form. This class is designed for those with little or no experience in ceramics. Please wear clothes appropriate for making ceramics—you will get dirty and that’s part of the fun!

For more information on course content and what to expect in the classroom, contact Jill Coldiron at maincrossart@gmail.com.


Advanced Ceramics - Summer 2

A multitude of glazed pots packed into a kiln before firing.

TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, July 9th to August 13th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 140
INSTRUCTOR: Jill Coldiron
CLASS FEE: $240
MATERIALS FEE: Class fee includes clay, use of available glazes, and firing.

This class is designed for those with previous experience in ceramics. Develop your skills in wheel-throwing and hand building. The focus will be on individual ideas and projects.

For more information on course content and what to expect in the classroom, contact Jill Coldiron at maincrossart@gmail.com.

Drawing Classes

Beginning Pastel Drawing - Summer 2

An impressionist colorful drawing of an alpine village.

TIME & DATES: Wednesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, July 10th to August 14th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 113
INSTRUCTOR: Jason Sturgill
CLASS FEE: $180
MATERIALS FEE: $60, added to the final Registration Fee

This course will be an introduction to using chalk Pastels.  We will explore multiple topics including still life,landscape, portrait, and animal imagery.  We will explore several different styles as well as delving into color theory as it pertains to Pastel drawing.  This course will also be a good refresher course for those who have dabbled with Pastels previously and wanted to know more about the process. 

Fiber Classes

Contemporary Basketry and Beaded Vessels - Summer 1

An assortment of works in progress using brightly colored beads, thread, rope, and ribbons.

TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, May 21st to June 25th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 229
INSTRUCTOR: Morgan Shipps
CLASS FEE: $180
MATERIALS FEE: $15, added to the final Registration Fee

Join us in exploring traditional basketry techniques, combined with beading and knotting techniques, to create a variety of pieces. These works can be functional vessels, sculptural art, or a combination of the two. 
This class is open to students of all levels, beginning to advanced.


Beaded and Fiber Jewelry - Summer 2

A variety of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other beaded pieces laying on top of a bright red steamer trunk.

TIME & DATES: Wednesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, July 10th to August 14th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 229
INSTRUCTOR: Morgan Shipps
CLASS FEE: $180
MATERIALS FEE: $15, added to the final Registration Fee

This class will explore ways to create wearable items out of beadwork, embroidery, and other fiber art techniques. Come ready to explore and have fun!

Painting Classes

Beginning Watercolor - Summer 1

TIME & DATES: Wednesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, May 22nd to June 26th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 113
INSTRUCTOR: Jason Sturgill
CLASS FEE: $180
MATERIALS FEE: $40, added to the final Registration Fee

This is a beginning level class on watercolor and watercolor techniques. We will explore various washes, brush techniques, and we will work to create several different style images and works.


Beginning to Paint - Summer 1

A studio with students working on various in progress paintings.

TIME & DATES: Thursdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, May 23rd to June 27th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 225
INSTRUCTOR: Christine Kuhn
CLASS FEE: $180
MATERIALS FEE: Participants will purchase their own materials. Materials will be discussed in the first class

In this inspiring course designed for beginners and for those wishing to refresh basic skills and establish a regular painting practice, students will learn everything they need to know to complete their first acrylic painting (or their first in a long while!). Using a time-proven technique, students will build their painting layer by layer, from the ground up with an emphasis on observational skills combined with self expression.


Beginning to Paint - Summer 2

A studio with students working on various in progress paintings.

TIME & DATES: Thursdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, July 11th to August 15th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 225
INSTRUCTOR: Christine Kuhn
CLASS FEE: $180
MATERIALS FEE: Participants will purchase their own materials. Materials will be discussed in the first class

In this inspiring course designed for beginners and for those wishing to refresh basic skills and establish a regular painting practice, students will learn everything they need to know to complete their first acrylic painting (or their first in a long while!). Using a time-proven technique, students will build their painting layer by layer, from the ground up with an emphasis on observational skills combined with self expression.

Photography Classes

Black and White Darkroom Printing - Summer 1

A student holding a transparent sheet of negatives up to the light with a small magnifying glass.

TIME & DATES: Thursdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, May 23rd to June 27th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 222
INSTRUCTOR: Carey Gough
CLASS FEE: $180
MATERIALS FEE: $15 for processing chemicals, added to the final Registration Fee. Bring your own 35mm film camera, film, and paper.

Have you always been enchanted by the timelessness of black and white photography? Join us as we explore the art, magic, and science of analog black and white photographic image-making. This course is designed for all skill levels both beginning and experienced photographers and welcomes anyone interested in processing their own film and making unique darkroom prints. This course will be approached as a workshop, and individual instruction will be available based on the student’s needs and technical development.

Participants must have access to their own 35mm film camera and will be asked to provide film and paper. Chemistry for processing film and paper is included in the course fee. For more information, please email Carey at careygough@gmail.com.


Black and White Darkroom Printing - Summer 2

A student holding a transparent sheet of negatives up to the light with a small magnifying glass.

TIME & DATES: Thursdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, July 11th to August 15th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 222
INSTRUCTOR: Carey Gough
CLASS FEE: $180
MATERIALS FEE: $15 for processing chemicals, added to the final Registration Fee. Bring your own 35mm film camera, film, and paper.

Have you always been enchanted by the timelessness of black and white photography? Join us as we explore the art, magic, and science of analog black and white photographic image-making. This course is designed for all skill levels both beginning and experienced photographers and welcomes anyone interested in processing their own film and making unique darkroom prints. This course will be approached as a workshop, and individual instruction will be available based on the student’s needs and technical development.

Participants must have access to their own 35mm film camera and will be asked to provide film and paper. Chemistry for processing film and paper is included in the course fee. For more information, please email Carey at careygough@gmail.com.

Workshops

Limited on time? Just want to dip your toes in a little creativity? Workshops are 1-3 days, typically taking place in one evening or over one weekend.

Painting Workshops

Abstract Painting Techniques - Summer 1

Lenon Michalski sitting in front of one of his paintings.

TIME & DATES: Monday-Wednesday May 29th to 31st, 6:00pm to 9:00pm
LOCATION: SAVS Room 227
INSTRUCTOR: Lennon Michalski
CLASS FEE: $160

Get excited about painting! Explore and learn how to apply the unique techniques of local artist Lennon Michalski to your own creations. (New Paragraph) In this class, Lennon will teach you how to use water-based pigment and plastic medium resulting in a visual outcome similar to stained glass. The application technique references that of J.M.W. Turner, an English Romanticist Landscape Painter from the 1800s commonly known as "the painter of light". The class will address a combination of composition, line work, and color theory to develop a dynamic visual presence, while also exploring the distinct qualities of the materials. This class will be hands-on, allowing while also exploring the distinct qualities of the materials.

All skill levels are welcome. So that you will be ready to create in the first class, a full supplies list will be emailed upon enrollment. Please contact Lennon at lennonmichalski@gmail.com with any questions.


Abstract Painting Techniques - Summer 2

Lenon Michalski sitting in front of one of his paintings.

TIME & DATES: Wednesday-Thursday August 7th to 9th, 6:00pm to 9:00pm
LOCATION: SAVS Room 227
INSTRUCTOR: Lennon Michalski
CLASS FEE: $160

Get excited about painting! Explore and learn how to apply the unique techniques of local artist Lennon Michalski to your own creations. (New Paragraph) In this class, Lennon will teach you how to use water-based pigment and plastic medium resulting in a visual outcome similar to stained glass. The application technique references that of J.M.W. Turner, an English Romanticist Landscape Painter from the 1800s commonly known as "the painter of light". The class will address a combination of composition, line work, and color theory to develop a dynamic visual presence, while also exploring the distinct qualities of the materials. This class will be hands-on, allowing while also exploring the distinct qualities of the materials.

All skill levels are welcome. So that you will be ready to create in the first class, a full supplies list will be emailed upon enrollment. Please contact Lennon at lennonmichalski@gmail.com with any questions.

Photography Workshops

One-Day Digital Camera - Summer 1

A woman sitting on a tufted dark green leather couch outside in an alley.

TIME & DATES: Saturday June 1st, 10:00am to 3:00pm
LOCATION: Meeting at SAVS Room 210, later Downtown Lexington
INSTRUCTOR: Lennon Michalski
CLASS FEE: $140
MATERIALS FEE: Participants should bring their own digital camera and its instruction manual. There will be a lunch break, lunch not included in fee.

This beginning digital photo class will focus on the fundamentals of using the manual functions of the camera and executing a well composed photo. We will meet in the morning to learn the functions of the camera like Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO, and deep/shallow depth of field. Then in the afternoon we will be shooting in downtown Lexington around Fifth Third Bank Pavilion to work on camera settings and composition in natural light. Transportation between sites is not provided.

This is a beginning-level class; please email Lennon at lennonmichalski@gmail.com if you have any questions.


One-Day Digital Camera - Summer 2

A woman sitting on a tufted dark green leather couch outside in an alley.

TIME & DATES: Saturday August 10th, 10:00am to 3:00pm
LOCATION: Meeting in SAVS Room 210, later Downtown Lexington
INSTRUCTOR: Lennon Michalski
CLASS FEE: $140
MATERIALS FEE: Participants should bring their own digital camera and its instruction manual. There will be a lunch break, lunch not included in fee.

This beginning digital photo class will focus on the fundamentals of using the manual functions of the camera and executing a well composed photo. We will meet in the morning to learn the functions of the camera like Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO, and deep/shallow depth of field. Then in the afternoon we will be shooting in downtown Lexington around Fifth Third Bank Pavilion to work on camera settings and composition in natural light. Transportation between sites is not provided.

This is a beginning-level class; please email Lennon at lennonmichalski@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Woodworking Workshops

Introduction to Boom Making: Cobweb Broom

Several rustic brooms hanging from pegs on the wall.

TIME & DATES: Saturday June 15th, 10:00am - 12:00pm
LOCATION: TBD
INSTRUCTOR: Dustin Cecil
CLASS FEE: $60

Students will make a primitive cobweb broom in the traditional style. This lightweight narrow broom is great for reaching all the places cobwebs can be found. They are great for sweeping the ceiling too. These brooms are functional but make great decorative items and great gifts! In this workshop we will learn the basic weaving techniques used to make a broom, with natural broomcorn (sorghum) No experience required for this project. Everyone will go home with at least one completed cobweb broom (most make two). Contact: Dustin Cecil @ mr.dustincecil@gmail.com with questions.

Remaining Spring Workshops

Some workshops in April and May are still open for registration!

Abstract Needlepoint

TIME & DATES: April 20th and 27th, 10:00am to 2:00pm
LOCATION: SAVS Room TBD
INSTRUCTOR: Morgan Shipps
CLASS FEE: $100
MATERIALS FEE: $40, added to the final Registration Fee

Come play with abstract shapes and colors while learning how basic (and not-so-basic) stitches can allow us to play with light, reflection, and texture! This approachable art form is sure to be rewarding, and surprising!

We will explore design basics, designing and creating our own bookmarks, and abstract wall hangings.

Alternative Process Photography - Cyanotypes!

TIME & DATES: Saturdays, May 4th to 25th, 10:00am to 1:00pm*
LOCATION: Meeting in SAVS Room 240
INSTRUCTOR: Bonnie Bond-Pearce
CLASS FEE: $130
MATERIALS FEE: $10, added to the final Registration Fee

Before the invention of classic black and white photography, there were a slew of processes in existence. The Cyanotype was discovered in 1842 by Sir John Herschel and was used in the first photography-illustrated books by English Botanist and Photographer, Anna Atkins. This gorgeously vivid process renders rich blue prints and is still wildly popular to this day! Learn how to create negatives, coat paper, fabrics and other materials, and how to print using the sun in this fun three-week course designed for anyone who loves printing. No photography experience necessary. No camera required. Materials are included in the course fee.

*No class on May 11, Mother's Day weekend

Eco Dyeing on Silk Scarves: May

TIME & DATES: May 4th, 10:00am to 3:00pm
LOCATION: SAVS Room TBD
INSTRUCTOR: Mary Ann Woolery
CLASS FEE: $200

Leaf Printing on Silk Scarves. Come learn a fun and very new technique that is simple but amazing in the results produced! No materials necessary to bring, but you may collect leaves from special places or your own yard with which to experiment. We will be printing on silk scarves, and each participant will complete 2 scarves with all materials included. This is a "hybrid" technique (using both commercial dyes and some elements of eco printing). You will leave with 2 (8x72) silk scarves.

Fabric Collage

TIME & DATES: May 4th, 10:00am to 2:00pm
LOCATION: SAVS Room TBD
INSTRUCTOR: Morgan Shipps
CLASS FEE: $80
MATERIALS FEE: $35, added to the final Registration Fee

Come play with color and texture, cut and layer fabrics to create one of a kind wall hangings or throw pillows! We will use no-sew techniques to construct our designs from a variety of fabrics. Weather you are new to fiber art, or looking to gain new inspiration, there’s something for everyone here.

Ready to dive in?

Let's keep in touch. If you would like to be added to our mailing list or have questions, please contact us at fineartsevents@uky.edu.


Frequently Asked Questions
Who can register for classes?

Participants must be 18 years of age or older.

Our classes and workshops are open to members of the public who are 18 years of age or older. You do not need to be a student or employee of UK to register. The Fine Arts Institute is not an after school program or geared toward instructing children in the arts; it is an adult education and enrichment program. We are unable to accept younger students at this time. There are no exceptions to this policy.

Do I need to register in advance, or can I just show up?

Pre-registration is required for all workshops and classes.

How should I pay?

You can register and pay online via our registration form on Jotform. Cash is no longer an accepted form of payment, and phone payments cannot be accepted due to logistics. If you can only pay via check, please contact the program coordinator at 859-207-8918 or fineartsevents@uky.edu.

Payment must be received in advance of attending the first class.

Many of our classes come with associated Materials Fees. Some are included in the class cost at time of registration, some are paid directly to the instructor so they may bulk purchase materials through their suppliers, and some direct you to buy your own materials. In the latter two cases, your instructor will provide materials instructions before or at your first class. Materials fees are always listed with the class and workshop information.

A class is missing from registration, what happened? Can I be added to a waitlist?

Class and workshop space is not infinite, options may be removed at any time due to cancelation or full enrollment. Wait-listing for full classes is not available. While individual cancelations may happen and seats reopen, we cannot guarantee anyone's place in a class. If you are interested in a class or workshop, register as soon as possible!

The Fine Arts institute at UK reserves the right to cancel a course when circumstances warrant, including insufficient enrollment. If a course has been canceled, participants will be notified and a refund will be issued.  The program coordinator will send additional communications after you complete payment to either confirm your seat or inform you of cancelation.

What is the Fine Arts Institute refund policy if I need to cancel?

Cancellation Policy: The Fine Arts Institute strives to provide high-quality instruction that meets the students’ expectations in every way. 

Classes: In the event that the class you signed up for is not what you expected, we offer a risk-free cancellation policy. If you contact us after the first class session and would like to drop the class, we will refund 100% of the class fee.

Starting with the second class, no refunds will be offered.

If you as a student miss a class meeting for any reason, that's okay!  No one is being graded or judged, this is all purely voluntary, but if you would like to catch up on missed material speak with the instructor about potential options.  Partial refunds are not available for absent sessions.

Workshops: 100% refund will be offered if we are contacted by 12 PM noon on the Friday before a workshop.

Materials: If you are eligible for a refund on a class with an additional materials fee, use or receipt of materials will change whether you are refunded this fee. If you do not receive materials, such as in cases of cancelling before attending the first class, you will be refunded the materials fee. If you receive or use materials in a class before cancellation, such as in cases of cancelling after attending the first class, you will not be refunded the materials fee. Materials Fees are listed with each class.

Program Cancellation: If a class or workshop is canceled in whole due to low enrollment or other extenuating circumstances, you will be contacted as soon as possible by the program coordinator and a full refund will be issued.

Due to the nature of how class and workshop dates flow, the Fine Arts Institute is not able to provide credit toward future classes/workshops if you are unable to attend. It is recommended that you contact fineartsevents@uky.edu to request a withdrawal for a refund within the time frames noted above.

Our instructors receive the greater part of the class fee as their salaries, so this policy was adopted in fairness to them. Please contact us if you have any questions: 859-207-8918 or fineartsevents@uky.edu.

Do you offer senior, military, UK employee, or other credits/discounts for your classes?

We do not offer discounts out of fairness to our instructors. The majority of class fees go directly to the instructor. We are a self-sufficient element within the university, and are not funded or subsidized in any way. Discounts are not possible at this time.

Where are classes held?

Classes are held in a variety of on and off campus locations. Most commonly classes are held in the School of Art and Visual Studies Building and the Metal Arts Facility. If a class or workshop requires travel to multiple locations, transportation is not provided.

Where do I park?

Parking can be a challenge at UK. If visiting on a weekend or evening, most lots are available without restriction, but be sure to carefully read the signs posted at the entrance to each lot. During regular business hours, most parking is restricted and parking regulations are strictly enforced. Metered parking and pay parking are available at certain lots and parking structures around campus. The closest pay lots to the School of Art & Visual Studies Building is Parking Structure #5 on South Limestone. You can also purchase single-use 24-hour parking permits at the UK Parking Offices located at 721 Press Avenue of Virginia Avenue.

Can I take Fine Arts Institute classes for college credit?

No. The Fine Arts Institute is hosted by the UK College of Fine Arts, but it is a separate community education program and our classes are not for academic credit.

Ready to make art?

If you have questions or concerns about online payment, please contact us, 859-207-8919 or fineartsevents@uky.edu.

Art & Visual Studies Building

Address

236 Bolivar Street, Lexington, KY 40506

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Fine Arts Building

Address

465 Rose Street, Lexington, KY 40506-0022

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Holmes Hall - Creative Arts Living Learning Program

Address

111 Avenue of Champions, Lexington, KY 40508

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Created 08/13/2021
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Last Updated 04/17/2024