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.

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 15th to April 11th
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, February 13th to April 9th
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.

Drawing Classes

Beginning to Draw

TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, March 12th to April 23rd
LOCATION: SAVS Room TBD
INSTRUCTOR: Christine Kuhn
CLASS FEE: $210
MATERIALS FEE: Participants will purchase their own materials. Materials will be discussed in the first class.

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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Sketchbooking

TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, January 9th to February 13th
LOCATION: SAVS Room TBD
INSTRUCTOR: Jason Sturgill
CLASS FEE: $180
MATERIALS FEE: $35, included in final registration fee

Sketchbooking is a 6 week 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.

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Pastel Drawing

TIME & DATES: Wednesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, February 28th to April 10th (No Class April 3rd)
LOCATION: SAVS Room TBD
INSTRUCTOR: Jason Sturgill
CLASS FEE: $180
MATERIALS FEE: $35, included in 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

Creative Beadwork

TIME & DATES: Thursdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, March 7th to April 18th
LOCATION: TBD
INSTRUCTOR: Morgan Shipps
CLASS FEE: $210

In this class we will explore basic beading structures, and how they can be manipulated to create unique beaded masterpieces. After gaining an understanding of basic beaded structures, we will explore ways to incorporate beadwork into other media; such as weaving, jewelry making, embroidery, and more. This class is open for all skill levels. A materials list will be sent out in advance of the first class

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Embroidery: Explorations In Threadwork

TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, February 20th to April 2nd
LOCATION: TBD
INSTRUCTOR: Morgan Shipps
CLASS FEE: $180
MATERIALS FEE: $35, included in 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 and botanical stitches, Ribbon Embroidery, and Beadwork.

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Small Loom Weaving: Tapestry, Rigid Heddle, and Band Loom Weaving

TIME & DATES: Wednesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, February 7th to April 10th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 229
INSTRUCTOR: Morgan Shipps
CLASS FEE: $300
MATERIALS FEE: $30, included in final registration fee

This session'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.

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

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

Metalworking Classes

Potential classes still in the works!

Check back soon, follow us on social media, or signup to our newsletter to know when new classes are announced.

Mixed Media Classes

Layering It On

TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, January 9th to February 20th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 113
INSTRUCTOR: Christine Kuhn
CLASS FEE: $210
MATERIALS FEE: Participants will purchase their own materials. Materials will be discussed in the first class.

This class will explore mixed media painting techniques with an emphasis on experimentation with materials and on finding a personal style. Some of the topics covered include collage and layering with acrylic gels and media, image transfer, ink, monoprints, and stenciling. Students will leave the class with two finished pieces of which they can be proud! The first class will be informational. A detailed materials list will be distributed and discussed.

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Mixed Media

TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, February 20th to March 26th
LOCATION: SAVS Room TBD
INSTRUCTOR: Jason Sturgill
CLASS FEE: $180
MATERIALS FEE: $35, included in 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

Beginning Watercolor

TIME & DATES: Wednesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, January 10th to February 21st (No Class 2/14 Valentine's Day)
LOCATION: SAVS Room 111
INSTRUCTOR: Jason Sturgill
CLASS FEE: $180
MATERIALS FEE: $35, included in 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.

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Beginning to Paint - Winter

TIME & DATES: Wednesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, January 10th to February 21st
LOCATION: SAVS Room 227
INSTRUCTOR: Christine Kuhn
CLASS FEE: $210
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.

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Beginning to Paint - Spring

TIME & DATES: Wednesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, March 13th to April 24th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 227
INSTRUCTOR: Christine Kuhn
CLASS FEE: $210
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.

Performance Classes

Potential classes still in the works!

Check back soon, follow us on social media, or signup to our newsletter to know when new classes are announced.

Photography Classes

Introduction to Black and White Darkroom Printing

TIME & DATES: Thursdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, February 1st to March 7th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 222
INSTRUCTOR: Carey Gough
CLASS FEE: $195
MATERIALS FEE: Bring your own 35mm film camera, film, and paper. Class fee includes processing chemicals.

Calling all black and white film photographers! Are you interested in shooting black and white film but have yet to learn the process of making your own prints in the darkroom? This course is an introduction to developing your own film, printing your work, and developing an artistic practice.

Participants should come to the first class with an already exposed roll of film, ready to develop. Participants will also need to provide their own photo paper. A materials list will be distributed a week before class begins. If you would like more info, please reach out to the course instructor, Carey Gough at careygough@gmail.com.

If there are seats available two weeks before the class is to begin, returning students may enroll.

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Intermediate Black and White Darkroom Printing

TIME & DATES: Thursdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, March 21st to April 25th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 222
INSTRUCTOR: Carey Gough
CLASS FEE: $195
MATERIALS FEE: Bring your own 35mm film camera, film, and paper. Class fee includes processing chemicals.

This class is for people with darkroom printing experience. The objective of this class is to build on the skills you already have and deepen your photographic printing practice. Medium format users and fiber printers are welcome. If you would like more info, please reach out to the course instructor, Carey Gough at careygough@gmail.com.

Participants will provide their own film and paper. A suggested materials list will be distributed a week before the class begins.

Woodworking Classes

Novice Woodworking Joinery

TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, January 23rd to April 16th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 123
INSTRUCTOR: Lynn Sweet
CLASS FEE: $390

*Students who sign up for this class that have not taken the Woodworking Class taught by Lynn Sweet before are considered Beginners no matter what their skill level is.

Dust off your shop apron and prepare to learn basic hand-made woodworking joinery and its applications in furniture building. In addition to an emphasis on traditional woodworking joinery, contemporary techniques will be explored as well as sharpening, simple drafting and plane-craft. The proper use of hand and power equipment will be emphasized. Please note that this class runs for 13 weeks to facilitate completion of projects.

Please be present at the first class to participate in mandatory power tool orientation. Failure to be present for the orientation will result in a cancelation of your registration.

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Woodworking for Veterans

TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, January 23rd to April 16th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 123
INSTRUCTOR: Lynn Sweet
CLASS FEE: $390

*Only students who have previously taken the Woodworking Class taught by Lynn Sweet should register for the Woodworking Joinery for Veterans class. 

Often folks having taken the Beginner’s class desire to continue taking further instruction and make use of the shop. These are our "Veterans". Though veteran students are also required to participate in the orientation on the first night, these students are not required to take part in the joinery exercises that absorb several early classes. Instead veteran students can proceed to projects that have been permitted, though they are still under supervision. It should be stated that veteran students work more independently using techniques absorbed in the initial class, allowing the instructor to concentrate on the safety and instruction of the students in the beginner’s class. 

Please be present at the first class to participate in mandatory power tool orientation. Failure to attend orientation will result in cancelation of your registration.

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: Winter 2023

TIME & DATES: December 9th, 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.

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Abstract Needlepoint

TIME & DATES: April 20th and 27th, 10:00am to 2:00pm
LOCATION: SAVS Room TBD
INSTRUCTOR: Morgan Shipps
CLASS FEE: $160
MATERIALS FEE: $40, included in 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.

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Beginning Needle Felting

TIME & DATES: February 17th and 24th, 10:00am to 2:00pm
LOCATION: SAVS Room TBD
INSTRUCTOR: Morgan Shipps
CLASS FEE: $160
MATERIALS FEE: $45, included in final registration fee

Come explore needle felting in this two week workshop! We will explore how to create lasting three dimensional forms, build shapes, add texture, and much more.

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Eco Dyeing on Silk Scarves: February

TIME & DATES: February 10th, 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.

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Eco Dyeing on Silk Scarves: April

TIME & DATES: April 6th, 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.

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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.

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Fabric Collage

TIME & DATES: February 3rd, 10:00am to 2:00pm
LOCATION: SAVS Room TBD
INSTRUCTOR: Morgan Shipps
CLASS FEE: $130
MATERIALS FEE: $35, included in 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.

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Macrame Creations

TIME & DATES: April 6th, 10:00am to 5:00pm
LOCATION: SAVS Room TBD
INSTRUCTOR: Morgan Shipps
CLASS FEE: $130
MATERIALS FEE: $40, included in final registration fee

Come learn the basics of macrame, and explore creative ways to combine these knotting techniques! We will create our own wall hangings, and more.

There will be a one hour lunch break, lunch not provided.

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Spring Pom Pom Madness

TIME & DATES: March 9th, 10:00am to 4:00pm
LOCATION: SAVS Room TBD
INSTRUCTOR: Morgan Shipps
CLASS FEE: $130
MATERIALS FEE: $40, included in final registration fee

Come celebrate spring by learning to create your own pompoms. We will master pompom creation, while playing with color and pattern combinations. Then, we will explore ways to add whimsical additions, turning our pompoms into spring animals, flowers, or anything your imagination can dream up!

There will be a one hour lunch break, lunch not provided.

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Weave a Mug-rug

TIME & DATES: March 16th, 10:00am to 2:00pm
LOCATION: SAVS Room TBD
INSTRUCTOR: Morgan Shipps
CLASS FEE: $130
MATERIALS FEE: $15, included in final registration fee

Come learn the basics of weaving, pattern play, and color work, while creating a mug rug all your own!

Painting Workshops 

Abstract Painting Techniques

TIME & DATES: March 19th, 21st, and 22nd (no meeting Wednesday the 20th), 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

TIME & DATES: March 23rd, 10:00am to 3:00pm
LOCATION: Meeting place TBD, 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.

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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, included in 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.

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

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.

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.

• UK Visitor Parking Permits and Information
• Campus Parking Maps

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.

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