Fine Arts Institute

We are currently updating classes for Fall 2024! Expect the class listing to look a little incomplete or with odd dates.

One last Summer workshop - One Day Digital Camera, August 10th - is still open for registration with a few seats left!

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.

Audio

Studio Recording Essentials: Introduction to Audio Engineering

TIME & DATES: Wednesdays, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, September 4th to October 16th
LOCATION: TBD
INSTRUCTOR: Kristine Stresman
CLASS FEE: $120
MATERIALS FEE: None

Designed for beginners and intermediates, this course provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental concepts and techniques used in audio engineering. Learn the basics of sound recording, microphone placement, and mixing. You will be guided through hands-on projects, enabling you to gain practical experience with whatever resources are easiest for you. Whether you aspire to be a music producer, a podcast writer, mixing engineer, or simply want to enhance your audio technology skills, this class is your gateway to the exciting world of audio engineering. This course will not be fun for those that don’t already have a good working knowledge of computers themselves. Join us and start creating high-quality recordings today! For more information, contact Kristine Stresman at kristine.stresman@uky.edu.

Ceramics Classes

Beginning Ceramics

TIME & DATES: Thursdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, September 5th to November 7th, No Class 9/12
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, September 3rd to November 5th, No Class 9/10
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, September 3rd to October 15th
LOCATION: TBD
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: Wednesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, October 16th to November 20th
LOCATION: TBD
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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Sketchbooking

TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, September 3rd to October 8th
LOCATION: TBD
INSTRUCTOR: Jason Sturgill
CLASS FEE: $220
MATERIALS FEE: A supply list will be provided to students for to purchase your own materials.

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

Contemporary Basketry and Beaded Vessels - Summer 1

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

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

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Beaded and Fiber Jewelry - Summer 2

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

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

Metal Working

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

TIME & DATES: Wednesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, September 4th to October 9th
LOCATION: TBD
INSTRUCTOR: Sara Clarke
CLASS FEE: $180
MATERIALS FEE: $40, added to the final Registration Fee

If you'd like to learn how to sculpt then make a platinum silicone mold of your original design and create cold cast duplicates - this is the class for you.  There is as much Science to these steps as Art. Sara's here to help interpret and navigate so that you can create with such logistics in mind and be set up for success as everyone in class goes through all of the steps in this process. This class is open to all levels of experience. It is limited to six students so that personal attention from your Instructor is readily available.

Music

Ukelele

TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 7:00pm, September 3rd to October 22nd
LOCATION: Fine Arts Library, Room 212
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Martina Vasil
CLASS FEE: $100
MATERIALS FEE: None

Uke can do it! Ukulele is an easy-to-learn instrument that welcomes all ability-levels. This class is for those new to ukulele and for those wishing to review basic techniques and refresh their skills. I will work with you to choose repertoire you love and show you how to strum, play chords, play riffs, and compose your own songs. By the end of our time together, you will be ready to put on a performance with cover songs and original compositions.

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Hand Drumming With Mateo

TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 7:00pm to 8:30pm, September 3rd to October 8th
LOCATION: TBD
INSTRUCTOR: Mateo 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

Watercolor

TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, October 15th to November 19th
LOCATION: TBD
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

TIME & DATES: Thursdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, October 17th to November 21st
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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Intermediate Black and White Darkroom Printing- Finishing Techniques

TIME & DATES: Thursdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, September 5th to October 10th
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.

This class is for people who have begun their darkroom printing practice but want to spend more time on thinking about the life of the print beyond making it. We will spend the first hour of each class discussing different topics relating to finishing your prints and creating a series. Some of the topics we will cover: printing at a larger scale, spotting, pressing, mounting, mat cutting, and developing a sequence. If you have any specific questions not mentioned, let your instructor, Carey Gough, know by emailing her at carey.gough@uky.edu.

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Black & White Film Exposure and Processing

TIME & DATES: Wednesdays, 6:15pm to 9:15pm, September 4th to October 9th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 222
INSTRUCTOR: Bonnie Bond-Pearce
CLASS FEE: $180
MATERIALS FEE: $15 for processing chemicals, added to the final Registration Fee. Bring your own 35mm film camera and film.

Ever wanted to learn how to shoot and develop your own black and white film? This class focuses on preparing your film before heading to the darkroom to print your favorite images. You'll learn everything from the mechanics of your camera and exposure techniques to how to push develop an under-exposed roll of film and making a contact sheet of your negatives. Class will meet in the Photo classroom, go outside to shoot, then to the darkroom to develop. This is perfect for the complete beginner.

You will need to provide your own camera and film. If you need advice on what kind of camera you should use, feel free to email the instructor at bonnie.bond@uky.edu. There are many affordable options.

Printmaking

Linocut Printmaking

TIME & DATES: Wednesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, November 6th to 20th
LOCATION: TBD
INSTRUCTOR: Sara Clarke
CLASS FEE: $120
MATERIALS FEE: $10, added to the final Registration Fee

The printmaking technique called Linocut is a variation of Woodcut. A sheet of linoleum is used for a relief surface. A design is cut into the linoleum surface with differently-shaped, sharp, handheld chisels. The finished carving can be used to print on paper and fabric. Come learn more about this classic technique and create your own work of Art. You can either bring your own design [5" × 7"] or use one by your Instructor. You'll leave this workshop with your own carved block and print.

Theatre

Update in progress!

Woodworking

Woodworking Joinery for Novices

TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, September 3rd to November 26th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 123
INSTRUCTOR: Lynn Sweet
CLASS FEE: $390
MATERIALS FEE: $25, added to the final Registration Fee

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 methods, 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. Beginner students may choose from three possible projects: a table, a bench, or a small cabinet such as a jewelry box.

Please note that this class runs for 13 weeks to facilitate demonstrations and 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 cancellation of your registration. There will be no make-up sessions for the orientation. Make-up sessions for the remaining classes are allowed only for dates that the University closes due to inclement weather or other emergency situations.

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Woodworking Joinery for Veterans

TIME & DATES: Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, September 3rd to November 26th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 123
INSTRUCTOR: Lynn Sweet
CLASS FEE: $390
MATERIALS FEE: $25, added to the final Registration Fee

Only students who have previously taken the Woodworking Class taught by Lynn Sweet should register for the Woodworking Joinery for Veterans class. If you have not taken the Beginner course and you register for this class, your registration will be rejected.

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 cancellation of your registration. There will be no make-up sessions for the orientation. Make-up sessions for the remaining classes are allowed only for dates that the University closes due to inclement weather or other emergency situations.

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

Painting Workshops

Abstract Painting Techniques - Summer 1

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

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

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.

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Abstract Painting Techniques - Summer 2

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

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

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

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

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

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One-Day Digital Camera - Summer 2

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

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

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

Woodworking Workshops

Introduction to Broom Making: Cobweb Broom

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

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

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.