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 859-207-8919 or fineartsevents@uky.edu.

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, 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
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Beginning Ceramics
TIME & DATES: SUMMER 1 - Wednesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, May 17th to June 21st
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.
Taking Ceramics to the Next Level
TIME & DATES: SUMMER 1 - Mondays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, May 15th to June 19th
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 2
TIME & DATES: SUMMER 2 - Wednesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, June 28th to August 2nd
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.
Taking Ceramics to the Next Level 2
TIME & DATES: SUMMER 2 - Mondays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, June 26th to July 31st
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.
- Drawing
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Sketchbooking
TIME & DATES: SUMMER 1 - Wednesday, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, May 17th to June 21st
LOCATION: SAVS Room 111
INSTRUCTOR: Jason Sturgill
CLASS FEE: $180Sketchbooking 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.
- Fiber
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Floor Loom Weaving
TIME & DATES: ALL SUMMER - Wednesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, May 17th to August 2nd
LOCATION: SAVS Room 229
INSTRUCTOR: Morgan Shipps
CLASS FEE: $395
MATERIALS FEE: $35, included in registration feeJoin us in the weaving studio this spring! 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. If you are interested in weaving on your own portable loom, such as a ridged heddle, or band loom, please register for Small Loom Weaving! Both classes will be held together and cover many of the same principles. If you have questions about the class, Morgan can be reached at eshpps@mac.com or e_morgan_shipps_studio on Instagram.
Small Loom Weaving
TIME & DATES: ALL SUMMER - Wednesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, May 17th to August 2nd
LOCATION: SAVS Room 229
INSTRUCTOR: Morgan Shipps
CLASS FEE: $380
MATERIALS FEE: $20, included in registration feeThis 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_studioA basic supply list will be sent out before the first class, including items such as scissors.
- Metalworking
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Brass Silver Gemstone Ring Fabrication
TIME & DATES: SUMMER 1 - Wednesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, May 17th to June 21st
LOCATION: SAVS Room 214
INSTRUCTOR: Rachel Savané
CLASS FEE: $260
MATERIALS FEE: $50, included in registration feeMaybe you have looked at rings and thought of them as circles with some design on top. Long-time jewelry designer, Rachel Savané, sees rings as metal that wraps around the finger, has inherent asymmetry and myriad design possibilities. Non-ferrous metal examples are gold, silver, copper and brass. The techniques for working with each of them are quite similar, and so we will work with the most affordable of them, knowing that the techniques translate to the higher value ones. Fabrication is the skills of cutting, forming and soldering metals. Making many rings will give students the benefit of repeating learned skills; thereby integrating them better.
Full Metal Alchemy
TIME & DATES: SUMMER 1 - Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, May 16th to June 20th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 214
INSTRUCTOR: Mary Bietz
CLASS FEE: $260
MATERIALS FEE: $80, included in registration feeThis class is perfect for those interested in starting their own metalworking or jewelry making practice but are not sure where to start. It will be a primer into the basics of beginner-level metalworking processes which will include but not be limited to: annealing, pickling, sawing, filing, sanding, fold-forming, doming, small scale forging, cold connections, and patinas. Class is self-paced and will include demonstration time for various processes as well as studio time for students to practice with non-ferrous metals as medium. Suggested step-by-step projects are available for those who want a little more structure. Students are encouraged to combine and expand on the methods shown to discover their own unique creations. We will also learn about basic safety considerations and minimum requirements for a home studio as well as recommended reading and resources to help you expand your skillset. Details about safety requirements and considerations will be included in a follow-up email.
Brass Silver Gemstone Ring Fabrication 2
TIME & DATES: SUMMER 2 - Wednesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, June 28th to August 2nd
LOCATION: SAVS Room 214
INSTRUCTOR: Rachel Savané
CLASS FEE: $260
MATERIALS FEE: $50, included in registration feeMaybe you have looked at rings and thought of them as circles with some design on top. Long-time jewelry designer, Rachel Savané, sees rings as metal that wraps around the finger, has inherent asymmetry and myriad design possibilities. Non-ferrous metal examples are gold, silver, copper and brass. The techniques for working with each of them are quite similar, and so we will work with the most affordable of them, knowing that the techniques translate to the higher value ones. Fabrication is the skills of cutting, forming and soldering metals. Making many rings will give students the benefit of repeating learned skills; thereby integrating them better.
Full Metal Alchemy 2
TIME & DATES: SUMMER 2 - Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, June 27th to August 1st
LOCATION: SAVS Room 214
INSTRUCTOR: Mary Bietz
CLASS FEE: $260
MATERIALS FEE: $80, included in registration feeThis class is perfect for those interested in starting their own metalworking or jewelry making practice but are not sure where to start. It will be a primer into the basics of beginner-level metalworking processes which will include but not be limited to: annealing, pickling, sawing, filing, sanding, fold-forming, doming, small scale forging, cold connections, and patinas. Class is self-paced and will include demonstration time for various processes as well as studio time for students to practice with non-ferrous metals as medium. Suggested step-by-step projects are available for those who want a little more structure. Students are encouraged to combine and expand on the methods shown to discover their own unique creations. We will also learn about basic safety considerations and minimum requirements for a home studio as well as recommended reading and resources to help you expand your skillset. Details about safety requirements and considerations will be included in a follow-up email.
- Mixed Media
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Mixed Media
TIME & DATES: SUMMER 2 - Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, June 27th to August 1st
LOCATION: SAVS Room 225
INSTRUCTOR: Jason Sturgill
CLASS FEE: $200
MATERIALS FEE: $20, included in registration feeThis 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
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Beginning Watercolor
TIME & DATES: SUMMER 1 - Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, May 16th to June 20th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 111
INSTRUCTOR: Jason Sturgill
CLASS FEE: $180This 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.
Explorations in Painting
TIME & DATES: SUMMER 1 - Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, May 16th to June 20th
LOCATION: SAVS Room 225
INSTRUCTOR: Christine Kuhn
CLASS FEE: $180
MATERIALS FEE: Participants will purchase their own materials. Materials will be discussed in the first classIn 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
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Black and White Darkroom Photography and Printing
TIME & DATES: SUMMER 1 - Thursdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, May 18th to June 22nd
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.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
Alternative Process Photography - Cyanotypes 2
TIME & DATES: SUMMER 2 - Wednesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, June 28th to August 2nd
LOCATION: SAVS Room 240
INSTRUCTOR: Bonnie Bond-Pearce
CLASS FEE: $205
MATERIALS FEE: $25, included in registration feeBefore 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 Photography and Printing 2
TIME & DATES: SUMMER 2 - Thursdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, June 29th to August 3rd
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.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
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
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Abstract Painting Techniques
TIME & DATES: June 6th to 8th, 6:00pm to 9:00pm
LOCATION: SAVS Room 227
INSTRUCTOR: Lennon Michalski
CLASS FEE: $150
MATERIALS FEE: A full supplies list will be emailed upon enrollment.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.
- Performance
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Parkour Basics For the Performer
TIME & DATES: May 6th, 10:00am to 12:00pm
LOCATION: Fine Arts Building Room 117
INSTRUCTOR: Taha Mandviwala
CLASS FEE: $75Taha Mandviwala is teaching a first-of-its-kind Parkour Basics workshop specifically designed for movement artists such as actors, stage combatants, martial artists, dancers, etc. This class will give you guided instruction, taking you through the building blocks you need to improve your movement skills through the lens of Parkour and personal training.
- Photography
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One-Day Digital Camera
TIME & DATES: June 24th, 10:00am to 3:00pm
LOCATION: Meeting in SAVS Room 210, later Downtown Lexington
INSTRUCTOR: Lennon Michalski
CLASS FEE: $130
MATERIALS FEE: Bring your own camera and manualThis 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
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Introduction to Broom Making Workshop: Cobweb Broom
TIME & DATES: June 24th, 10:00am to 1:00pm
LOCATION: SAVS Room 113
INSTRUCTOR: Dustin Cecil
CLASS FEE: $60Students 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.
Intermediate Broom Making Workshop: Mid-Sized Floor Sweeper
TIME & DATES: June 24th, 2:00pm to 5:00pm
LOCATION: SAVS Room 113
INSTRUCTOR: Dustin Cecil
CLASS FEE: $60
MATERIALS FEE: Materials included but feel free to bring your desired handle if you would like to do so.Building on the skills from the introduction to broom making workshop, in this workshop students will make a bulkier broom that can be used for sweeping the floor. Students will become more comfortable working with a larger project, and learn how to stitch a broom flat, like a traditional shaker style broom.
Students taking this course are strongly encouraged to have completed the introduction course from the early session, or previously offered workshops as these skills build on those covered in the intro/cobwebber broom making workshop.
Students are also invited to bring their own stick/handle for this floor sweeper, otherwise a variety of choices will be offered.
Contact: Dustin Cecil @ mr.dustincecil@gmail.com with questions.
Introduction to Broom Making Workshop: Cobweb Broom 2
TIME & DATES: July 29th, 10:00am to 1:00pm
LOCATION: SAVS Room 113
INSTRUCTOR: Dustin Cecil
CLASS FEE: $60Students 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.
Intermediate Broom Making Workshop: Capped Cobwebber
TIME & DATES: July 29th, 2:00pm to 5:00pm
LOCATION: SAVS Room 113
INSTRUCTOR: Dustin Cecil
CLASS FEE: $60Building on the skills from the introduction to broom making workshop, in this workshop students will make learn to work with cut stems to make a woven capped design on a cobwebber. This cap makes a more refined/finished look, a good stepping stone into other styles of broom making. Student will got home with two capped cobweb brooms in this workshop.
Students taking this course are strongly encouraged to have completed the introduction course from the morning session, or previously offered- as these skills build on those covered in the intro/cobwebber broom workshop.
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?
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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?
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Pre-registration is required for all workshops and classes.
- How should I pay?
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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?
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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?
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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.
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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
- Can I take Fine Arts Institute classes for college credit?
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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.