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Fine Arts Institute

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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 fineartsevents@uky.edu.

Refund Policy Update

The refund policy for the Fine Arts Institute was updated May 2025. Please be sure to familiarize yourself with the new policy in the Frequently Asked Questions section on this page or in the Online Payment Terms and Conditions.

Summer 2026

We're currently in the process of updating class and workshop offerings for Summer.
An announcement on open registration will come later. Thank you for your patience.

Participation and Cancellation policies can be found below in the Frequently Asked Questions section. If you have any questions please contact us at 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

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

Summer 1 - Beginning Ceramics

TIME & DATES: Thursdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, May 21st to June 25th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 141
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.

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

Summer 1 - Advanced Ceramics

TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, May 19th to June 23rd
LOCATION: SAVS Room 141
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.

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

Summer 2 - Beginning Ceramics

TIME & DATES: Thursdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, July 9th to August 13th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 141
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.

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

Summer 2 - Advanced Ceramics

TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, July 7th to August 11th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 141
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

A student sits in front of a large easel in a drawing studio sketching a person's silhouette on a drawing pad with charcoal.

Summer 1 - Beginning to Draw

TIME & DATES: Wednesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, May 20th to June 24th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 225
INSTRUCTOR: Christine Kuhn
CLASS FEE: $180
MATERIALS FEE: None, students purchase their 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. 

A student sits in front of a large easel in a drawing studio sketching a person's silhouette on a drawing pad with charcoal.

Summer 2 - Beginning to Draw

TIME & DATES: Wednesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, July 10th to August 12th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 225
INSTRUCTOR: Christine Kuhn
CLASS FEE: $180
MATERIALS FEE: None, students purchase their 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. 

Fiber Classes

Pale fabric held in an embroidery hoop with several flowers and leaves already stitched in while a person's hand works on a new stitch.

Summer 1 - Embroidery Explorations

TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, May 19th to June 23rd
LOCATION: SAVS Room 229
INSTRUCTOR: Elizabeth Morgan Shipps
CLASS FEE: $180
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.

Mixed Media

A colorful mixed pen, ink, and watercolor piece of a lively city street.

Summer 2 - Mixed Media

TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, July 7th to August 11th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 113
INSTRUCTOR: Jason Sturgill
CLASS FEE: $180
MATERIALS FEE: $30, added to the final Registration Fee

This course will delve into the art of Mixed media.  We will explore a wide variety of concepts and combinations of visual art materials.  The course will focus on several different styles of art including abstraction, assemblage, repurposing, and Expressionism.  A wide variety of media will be used in this class so participates are asked to bring everything they can fit into their art bins.

Painting Classes

A studio with multiple paintings in progress on easels, some being worked on by students. The abstract painting in the foreground is done entirely in broad strokes of shades of green. Another student works in the background on a pink and purple landscape.

Summer 1 - Beginning to Paint

TIME & DATES: Thursdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, May 21st to June 25th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 227
INSTRUCTOR: Christine Kuhn
CLASS FEE: $180
MATERIALS FEE: None, students purchase their own supplies

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. 

The beginnings of a multicolor painting of a tiger taped to an art board.

Summer 2 - Advanced Watercolor

TIME & DATES: Wednesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, July 10th to August 12th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 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 

A table with a watercolor palatte open, several brushes, some references images to the side, and a painting in progress.

Summer 2 - Beginning Watercolor

TIME & DATES: Wednesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, July 10th to August 12th
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.

A studio with multiple paintings in progress on easels, some being worked on by students. The abstract painting in the foreground is done entirely in broad strokes of shades of green. Another student works in the background on a pink and purple landscape.

Summer 2 - Beginning to Paint

TIME & DATES: Thursdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, July 9th to August 13th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 227
INSTRUCTOR: Christine Kuhn
CLASS FEE: $180
MATERIALS FEE: None, students purchase their own supplies

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

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

Summer 1 - Black and White Darkroom Printing

TIME & DATES: Thursdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, May 21st to June 25th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 222
INSTRUCTOR: Trevor Logan
CLASS FEE: $180
MATERIALS FEE: $15 for processing chemicals, added to the final Registration Fee. Bring your own 35mm film camera, film, and paper.

Discover the art and process of traditional black and white photography in this hands-on course focused on darkroom printing. You'll learn how to develop your own film and create prints using analog techniques, with plenty of support along the way. This course is ideal for beginners or anyone looking to reconnect with the darkroom.
While the focus is on printing, we’re happy to address questions about cameras and making exposures as they come up. Each session includes demos, group instruction, and time to work on your prints with individual guidance.

Important: Please come to the first class with a roll of exposed black and white film ready to develop. If you’ll miss either of the first two classes, please wait to join a future session—those early weeks cover essential material that’s hard to catch up on if you’re new to the process.

Students must have access to a 35mm film camera and provide their own film and paper. Chemistry for developing and printing is included in the course fee.

Questions? Reach out to Trevor at tre.logan@uky.edu.

A rich dark blue background is illuminated by bright silhouettes of thin stemmed flower clusters.

Summer 2 - Alternative Process Photography: Cyanotypes and Beyond!

TIME & DATES: Saturdays, 9:00am to 12:00pm, July 11th to August 15th
LOCATION: SAVS Room TBD
INSTRUCTOR: Bonnie Bond
CLASS FEE: $180
MATERIALS FEE: $25, 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 six-week course designed for anyone who loves printing. No photography experience necessary. No camera required. Most materials are included in the materials fee.

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

Summer 2 - Black and White Darkroom Printing

TIME & DATES: Thursdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, July 9th to August 13th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 222
INSTRUCTOR: Trevor Logan
CLASS FEE: $180
MATERIALS FEE: $15 for processing chemicals, added to the final Registration Fee. Bring your own 35mm film camera, film, and paper.

Discover the art and process of traditional black and white photography in this hands-on course focused on darkroom printing. You'll learn how to develop your own film and create prints using analog techniques, with plenty of support along the way. This course is ideal for beginners or anyone looking to reconnect with the darkroom.
While the focus is on printing, we’re happy to address questions about cameras and making exposures as they come up. Each session includes demos, group instruction, and time to work on your prints with individual guidance.

Important: Please come to the first class with a roll of exposed black and white film ready to develop. If you’ll miss either of the first two classes, please wait to join a future session—those early weeks cover essential material that’s hard to catch up on if you’re new to the process.

Students must have access to a 35mm film camera and provide their own film and paper. Chemistry for developing and printing is included in the course fee.

Questions? Reach out to Trevor at tre.logan@uky.edu.

Printing Classes

A photograph of a print made with black ink and shades of gray. A shadowy figure stand inside a church, the windows behind them look out on a graveyard.

Summer 1 - Intro to Etching

TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, May 19th to June 23rd
LOCATION: SAVS Room TBD
INSTRUCTOR: Andrew Hahn
CLASS FEE: $180
MATERIALS FEE: $65, included in final registration fee

Learn how to etch zinc plates! Students will process and then etch their own designs using a traditional printmaking technique. Along the way, students will also learn foundational printmaking techniques like registration and editioning that they can apply to other methods as well.

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

Lenon Michalski sitting in front of one of his paintings.

 

Abstract Painting Techniques

TIME & DATES: Wednesday through Friday, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, August 5th to 7th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 227
INSTRUCTOR: Lennon Michalski
CLASS FEE: $175
MATERIALS FEE: None, students purchase their own supplies.

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. (New Paragraph) 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

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

Beginning Digital Photo

TIME & DATES: Saturday, 10:00am to 3:00pm, August 8th
LOCATION: Meeting at SAVS Room 210, shooting on location around Lexington
INSTRUCTOR: Lennon Michalski
CLASS FEE: $140
MATERIALS FEE: None, students bring their own camera and accessories

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.

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.

Register for Classes

FAQs

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 cancellation or full enrollment. Wait-listing for full classes is not available. While individual cancellations 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 cancellation.

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

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

Refund Policy: As the Fine Arts Institute is funded via student participation, our instructors are paid the bulk of tuition received. Refunds are not available for withdrawals, individual absences, or workshops. If you have an extraordinary case, please contact the Director.

Class Credit: 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.

Attendance: 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.

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.

Main entrance to the SAVS building

Art and Visual Studies Building
236 Bolivar Street, Lexington, KY 40506

The Rose Street main entrance of the Fine Arts Building.

Fine Arts Building
465 Rose Street, Lexington, KY 40506-0022

One of the exterior sets of entrances of Holmes hall on Avenue of Champions.

Holmes Hall - Creative Arts Living Learning Program
111 Avenue of Champions, Lexington, KY 40508

Interior of a large metal building. A bright red digital plasma cutting table is nearest the viewer; with many gas tanks, welders, tables, and other equipment to work with metal in the background.

Metal Arts Building
349 Scott Street, Lexington, KY 40506

University of Kentucky
College of Fine Arts
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202 Fine Arts Building
465 Rose Street
Lexington, KY 40506-0022

Phone: 859-257-1707
Mon-Fri. 8am-4:30pm

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