Fine Arts Institute

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.

Registration opens Thursday, December 19, for everything except ceramics. Ceramics classes open Friday, December 20.

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

TIME & DATES: Thursdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, February 6th to April 3rd
LOCATION: SAVS Room 140
INSTRUCTOR: Jill Coldiron
CLASS FEE: $360
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.

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Advanced Ceramics

TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, Dates February 4th to April 1st
LOCATION: SAVS Room 140
INSTRUCTOR: Jill Coldiron
CLASS FEE: $360
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.

Dance

Beginner Hip Hop

TIME & DATES: Thursdays, 7:00pm to 8:30pm, March 6th to April 10th
LOCATION: TBD
INSTRUCTOR: Kristany Malone
CLASS FEE: $140
MATERIALS FEE: None

Join our Beginner Hip Hop class and discover the excitement of hip hop dance! This beginner-friendly class will introduce you to the fundamentals of hip hop technique, including movement, rhythm, and style. Our supportive instructor will guide you every step of the way, helping you build confidence and skills. Come ready to learn, laugh, and get moving!

Drawing Classes

Advanced Pastel

TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, March 18th to April 22nd
LOCATION: SAVS 113
INSTRUCTOR: Jason Sturgill
CLASS FEE: $180
MATERIALS FEE: $65, added to the final Registration Fee

This course is a continuation into the exploration of Pastel including color theory, various subject, matters, and some mixed media techniques. This class is taught in conjunction with the Beginning Pastel Drawing.

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Beginning to Draw

TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, February 25th to April 8th
LOCATION: SAVS 227
INSTRUCTOR: Christine Kuhn
CLASS FEE: $210
MATERIALS FEE: A supply list will be provided to students for to purchase your own materials.

In this inspiring class you'll learn everything you need to know to start drawing NOW! This class is for those new to drawing and for those wishing to review basic techniques and refresh their drawing skills. By the end of class, you will have learned basic line and value drawing methods and completed your first portrait drawing. The first class is informational only. We will discuss our approach as well as the supplies needed.

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Beginning Pastel Drawing

TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, March18th to April 22nd
LOCATION: SAVS 113
INSTRUCTOR: Jason Sturgill
CLASS FEE: $180
MATERIALS FEE: $65, 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. 

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Beginning Pen and Ink Drawing

TIME & DATES: Wednesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, February 5th to March 12th
LOCATION: SAVS 113
INSTRUCTOR: Jason Sturgill
CLASS FEE: $180
MATERIALS FEE: $30, added to the final Registration Fee

This class will dive into the vast array of drawing with Ink. This session will explore how to use technical pens, quill, brush, as well as many alternate methods of ink drawing. We will create works based on landscapes, objects, people, pets, and both abstract and non-representational works. Students will become more confident in using ink to create a wide variety of textures, objects, and likeness.

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Sketchbooking

TIME & DATES: Wednesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, March 19th to April 23rd
LOCATION: SAVS 113
INSTRUCTOR: Jason Sturgill
CLASS FEE: $180
MATERIALS FEE: $40, added to the final Registration Fee

Sketchbooking is a 6 weeks course wherein students will take a unique guided journey on how to work and create in a sketchbook.  This course is designed to help all levels of students regardless of expertise.  It is also geared to guide artists who are stuck or frustrated with their current artistic solutions.  The course will provide new ways for artist to express themselves, focus on thematic ideas, explore new media and media combinations and learn from others as they walk a similar yet unique journey.  Come join us for an amazing journey as we create and explore with our sketchbooks.

Fiber Classes

Embroidery Explorations

TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, March 25th to April 22
LOCATION: TBD
INSTRUCTOR: Morgan Shipps
CLASS FEE: $150
MATERIALS FEE: $35, added to the final Registration Fee

We will explore a range of embroidery styles and techniques in this class, ranging from the traditional to the contemporary. Students will be encouraged to explore, and find their personal style preferences, as we explore Crewelwork; Bargello; Surface Embroidery, with a particular emphasis on  textural stitches and botanical stitches; Ribbon Embroidery, and Beadwork.

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Fiber Fusion: The Art of Nuno Felting

TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, March 11th to April 8th
LOCATION: SAVS 229
INSTRUCTOR: Kate Koprowski
CLASS FEE: $150
MATERIALS FEE: A supply list will be provided to students to purchase their own materials.

Join this five-week hands-on workshop to learn the art of nuno felting. The class begins with the basics and progresses to advanced techniques, including creating textures and surface designs unique to nuno. Students will create nuno-felted gloves, scarves, bags, and flowers. By the end, you'll have a collection of beautiful handmade creations and the skills to craft even more.

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Small Loom Weaving

TIME & DATES: Wednesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, February 5th to March 26th
LOCATION: TBD
INSTRUCTOR: Morgan Shipps
CLASS FEE: $240
MATERIALS FEE: $40, added to the final Registration Fee

This semester’s weaving class will focus on small loom techniques. What’s a small loom? For the purpose of this class, any loom that is portable enough for you to bring to class. We will focus on Ridged Heddle, Band Loom (Inkle Loom), and Tapestry techniques. Using these looms will also allow us to delve into some mixed media weaving. Along with playing with materials, we will cover how to finish your weaving, and prepare it for use. Emphasis on lace and wrap stitches, and pulled warp techniques!

This class requires each student to have their own loom.

Want some help figuring out what loom is right for you? Have no worries! Contact , Morgan Shipps, your instructor, to figure out what small loom is the best fit for you. eshipps@mac.com @e_morgan_shipps_studio on instagram

A basic supply list will be sent out before the first class, including items such as scissors.

Jewelry Making Classes

Chain Maille

TIME & DATES: Thursdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, March 27th to April 24th
LOCATION: TBD
INSTRUCTOR: E Morgan Shipps
CLASS FEE: $150
MATERIALS FEE: $35 for basic materials, added to the final Registration Fee. Additional desired materials can be purchased by the student.

Have you seen chain maille in museums, or on Pinterest, and wondered how you could use this technique to replicate the ancient, or design of-the-moment Jewellery?

Yes, all you medieval knights, I must inform you that this ancient metal work in back "in style".

Now, for some of us it has always been in style, and if your dream to to create authentic medieval garb this is a good class to start your chain mail practice with! If you are in to expanding your beading practice, or into jewelry making, this is also a great place to start! If you are just looking for something new to explore, you're also in for a treat!

We will cover the basics of chain maille construction. Every thing you need to get started, and where to go from there. We will delve deeper into reading patterns, cover traditional and popular design motifs, and then learn how to start making our own patterns and designs. chain maille is often combined with beadwork, and this class will explore how chain maille can be used to further beadwork.

Metal Working Classes

From Your Imagination To Manifestation: Sculpting, Molding and Cold Casting Your Own Jewelry

TIME & DATES: Wednesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, March 19th to April 23rd
LOCATION: TBD
INSTRUCTOR: Sara Clarke
CLASS FEE: $180
MATERIALS FEE: $40, added to the final Registration Fee

Learn how to sculpt, make a platinum silicone mold of your original Works of Art, and create Cold Cast Metal & Porcelain components for use in your original jewelry. All levels of experience - especially those of you who are intrigued by this process, yet have never so much as touched clay - are most welcome!

Music Classes

Hand Drumming With Mateo

TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 7:00pm to 8:30pm, February 4th to March 11th
LOCATION: TBD
INSTRUCTOR: Matthew Rhodes
CLASS FEE: $130
MATERIALS FEE: Bring your own drum.

Seduced by the percussion rhythms of the world? Now is your chance to become one with the music. Hand drums exist in many different cultures around the world and come in a variety shapes, sizes, and sounds. In this six-week class, you will learn many different rhythmic patterns and fills that will appeal to beginner and advanced alike.

You will need to bring your own drum. If you need help choosing an affordable and quality drum, please contact bonnie.bond@uky.edu for a list of recommended hand drums from the instructor.

Painting Classes

Advanced Watercolor

TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, February 4th to March 11th
LOCATION: SAVS 113
INSTRUCTOR: Jason Sturgill
CLASS FEE: $180
MATERIALS FEE: $40, added to the final Registration Fee

This course is a continued exploration into the techniques of watercolor focusing on various subject matters. It is taught in conjunction with Beginning Watercolor 

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Beginning to Paint

TIME & DATES: Thursdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, February 27th to April 10th
LOCATION: SAVS 225
INSTRUCTOR: Christine Kuhn
CLASS FEE: $210
MATERIALS FEE: A supply list will be provided for students to buy their own materials

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. 

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Beginning Watercolor

TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, February 4th to March 11th
LOCATION: SAVS 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.

Photography Classes

Black and White Darkroom Printing - Session 1

TIME & DATES: Thursdays, 6:30pm to 9:30pm, February 6th to March 13th
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

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Black and White Darkroom Printing - Session 2

TIME & DATES: Thursdays, 6:30pm to 9:30pm, March 20th to April 24th
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

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Digital Workflow and Editing for Photographers

TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, February 4th to 25th
LOCATION: TBD
INSTRUCTOR: Carey Gough
CLASS FEE: $150
MATERIALS FEE: None

This class is for photographers who would like to deepen their knowledge on editing photographs with Adobe Creative Cloud software and develop a streamlined digital workflow. We will cover everything from setting up your screen, importing/storing/backing up your files correctly, to understanding levels and curves and making selective adjustments and edits. We will be using Adobe Bridge and Photoshop to process images. The principles learned here can be applied to other editing software.

Printmaking Classes

Linocut Printmaking

TIME & DATES: Thursdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, March 20th to April 24th
LOCATION: TBD
INSTRUCTOR: Sara Clarke
CLASS FEE: $180
MATERIALS FEE: $15, added to the final Registration Fee

Linocut is a relief Printmaking technique that is similar to Woodcut. A design is cut into a linoleum sheet with handheld chisels. This Art practice is immersive and rewarding - very meditative. Each completed carved block is a work of Art that can then in turn create seemingly endless duplicate works of Art on paper and fabric.

You are invited to bring your own designs - three that are up to 2" x 3" as well as two that are up to 5" × 7" - or select from original drawings created by your Instructor. Great for everything from Art Prints and Dolls to greeting cards and ornaments!

You'll learn how to:

• Safely carve, ink and print at home by hand as well as with a Press on paper and fabric
• Prepare your paper and fabric for printing
• Care for and store your tools
• Clean up in a way that is kind to our planet
• Dry many prints in a very small space
• Combine Linocut with other mediums
   

Theatre Classes

Stage Combat Certification

TIME & DATES: Multiple Dates and Times - February 27th and 28th 5-9pm, March 1st and 2nd 1-6pm, March 3rd to 7th 5-9pm, March 8th and 9th 1-6pm, March 10th 5-9pm, March 14th 5-9pm, March 15th 1-6pm
LOCATION: Fine Arts Guignol Building, 465 Rose Street
INSTRUCTOR: Andrew Dylan Ray
CLASS FEE: $300
MATERIALS FEE: $65 for the certification test, added to the final Registration Fee

This course will teach students safety and performance techniques of stage combat. Students will learn how to create and perform moments of theatrical violence in a safe way. Students who have been certified in Unarmed will be able to choose to train in either broadsword, single rapier, or knife for the stage (training weapons will be provided by the instructor). All students testing for the first time will train in unarmed combat for the stage. Students must accumulate 30 hours of training over the duration of the course to test for their certification through the Society of American Fight Directors, the largest stage combat organization in the world. There will be open training hours where students can accumulate hours allowing for some flexibility in each student’s class schedule.

Class times vary:

• February 27th and 28th 5-9pm
• March 1st and 2nd 1-6pm
• March 3rd to 7th 5-9pm
• March 8th and 9th 1-6pm
• March 10th 5-9pm
• March 14th 5-9pm
• March 15th 1-6pm

UK Students that need a payment plan should contact Bonnie Bond-Pearce at 859-207-8919 or email her at bonnie.bond@uky.edu. A discount code is also available for UK Students enrolled with a Theatre major or minor.

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

TIME & DATES: Wednesday-Friday, February 5th to 7th, 6:00pm to 9:00pm
LOCATION: SAVS 225
INSTRUCTOR: Lennon Michalski
CLASS FEE: $175

Get excited about painting! Explore and learn how to apply the unique techniques of local artist Lennon Michalski to your own creations.

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

TIME & DATES: Saturday February 8th, 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.

Woodworking Workshops

Introduction to Broom Making: Cobwebber Broom

TIME & DATES: Saturday March 8th, 12:00pm - 3:30pm
LOCATION: SAVS 113
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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Building. 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.

• UK Visitor Parking Permits and Information
• Campus Parking Maps

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