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 fineartsevents@uky.edu.

Updates for summer classes are currently underway! Please pardon our dust, and keep an eye out for an open registration announcement.

The remaining spring workshop Eco Dyeing on Silk Scarves on May 3rd is still open for registration.

Summer 2025

Photo of the School of Art and Visual Studies building on Bolivar Street

School of Art and Visual Studies (SAVS) Building

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: Beginning Ceramics - Summer 1
TIME & DATES: Thursdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, May 22nd to June 26th
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
TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, May 20th to June 24th
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
TIME & DATES: Thursdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, July 10th to August 14th
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
TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, July 8th to August 12th
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.
Fiber Classes: Beaded and Three Dimensional Embroidery
TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, May 20th to July 15th (No class the week of July 4th)
LOCATION: SAVS Room 229
INSTRUCTOR: Elizabeth Morgan Shipps
CLASS FEE: $240
MATERIALS FEE: $35, added to the final Registration Fee
Discover the world of beaded and three-dimensional embroidery, with our creative community of stitchers! Get ready to dive into exciting methods like Stumpwork and Bead Embroidery. You'll learn how to combine various stitches and create stunning transitions that bring your designs to life. Whether you're a seasoned embroiderer or just starting out, there’s something here for everyone! Join us on this creative journey and let’s make beautiful art together! The possibilities are endless—don’t miss out!
Floor Loom Weaving
TIME & DATES: Wednesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, May 21st to July 30th (No class the week of July 4th)
LOCATION: SAVS Room 229
INSTRUCTOR: Elizabeth Morgan Shipps
CLASS FEE: $300
MATERIALS FEE: $40, added to the final Registration Fee
Join us in the weaving studio this summer! Whether you are a seasoned weaver looking to grow your practice, or you have yet to meet your first loom, this class is for you! We will create individual warps, warp our looms, and create personalized fabric pieces. We will explore different types of patterns, weaving stitches, and weaving traditions. This semester we will also spend time exploring two new topics: color choices, combinations, and ‘mix’ color; and the ways we can continue a piece once it’s off the loom! We will look at how to spice up the finishing/fringe process, as well as how you can use your handwoven fabric to create sewn pieces.
Students will have time to explore at their own pace, and explore personally driven projects. I’m here to guide your journey, and am happy to help you accomplish your weaving goals. Most of what we will go over is applicable to any weaving experience; and time for students to receive personalized instruction is included in the class plan. If there is a particular technique process you would like to explore, please contact the instructor to discuss more personalized content.
Registration: Floor looms are limited to seven and are reserved for web registration only; but if you are interested in weaving on your own portable loom, such as a ridged heddle, or band loom, we can accommodate you! Please register for Small Loom Weaving instead.
Morgan can be reached at eshpps@mac.com or e_morgan_shipps_studio on Instagram.
Small Loom Weaving
TIME & DATES: Wednesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, May 21st to July 30th (No class the week of July 4th)
LOCATION: SAVS Room 229
INSTRUCTOR: Elizabeth Morgan Shipps
CLASS FEE: $300
MATERIALS FEE: $40, added to the final Registration Fee
This summer’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.
Mixed Media: Mixed Media - Summer 2
TIME & DATES: Wednesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, July 9th to August 13th
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: Advanced Watercolor - Summer 2
TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, July 8th 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
Beginning Watercolor - Summer 2
TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, July 8th 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.
Photography Classes: Alternative Process Photography: Cyanotypes! - Summer 2
TIME & DATES: Wednesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, July 9th to August 13th
LOCATION: TBD
INSTRUCTOR: Bonnie Bond
CLASS FEE: $180
MATERIALS FEE: $20, 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. Materials are included in the course fee.
Black and White Darkroom Printing - Summer 1
TIME & DATES: Thursdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, May 22nd to June 26th
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.

Fiber Workshops: Eco Dyeing on Silk Scarves - Spring
TIME & DATES: Saturday May 3rd, 10:00am to 3:00pm
LOCATION: TBD
INSTRUCTOR: Mary Ann Bussey
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.
Painting Workshops: Abstract Painting Techniques
TIME & DATES: Wednesday-Friday, May 21st to 23rd, 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 - Summer 1
TIME & DATES: Saturday May 24th, 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.

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.

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: 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 cancelled classes, 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.

Ready to make art?

If you have questions or concerns about online payment, please contact us at fineartsevents@uky.edu.