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Providing year-around classes in Textiles, Pottery,
Metals, Glass, Painting, Papermaking and other Art Forms.
6N158 CRANE ROAD
ST. CHARLES, ILLINOIS 60174
630.584.9443
FAX 630.584.9490
info@fineline.org
CENTER HOURS
Mon. - Sat. 10 AM - 5 PM
CLASSES
Mon. - Thurs. 9 AM - 9 PM
Fri. - Sat. 9 AM - 5 PM
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About Us
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The
Fine Line Creative Arts Center?
The Fine Line Creative Arts Center is a "not-for-profit" educational
art school that offers classes for adults in the Fine Arts/Fine Crafts. The
purpose, as stated in our mission statement is: "To promote public awareness
of the arts and their impact on our well being; to support art experiences,
and to nurture the creative spirit within a comfortable, inspirational environment."
Dedicated, professional teachers, many with national
reputations, teach classes and workshops at The Fine Line. On the approximately
four acres of land are two classroom/studio buildings. The barn houses
the business offices, staff residence, a yarn and supplies shop, the
textile classrooms, and the newly remodeled Dempsey Gallery for Fine
Line members. The Kavanagh building holds a gallery, and four studios
for pottery, surface design, jewelry, and two-dimensional art.
Who owns The
Fine Line?
In 1986, businessman, Larry Dempsey deeded the barn and property to the School
Sisters of St. Francis, under the direction of Sister Denise Kavanagh. Before
Sister Denise and Sister Geraldine McGovern could move in and open a school,
much remodeling had to be done. They borrowed $250,000 from the School Sisters
of St Francis, the Sisters of Mercy, and the Adrian Dominican Sisters to get
started. After several years, that debt was paid. Then, in 1996, when the need
for more classroom space and a new gallery became clear, we again received
a $300,000 loan from the School Sisters of St. Francis for the construction
of a new building. In 1997, the deed was transferred from the School Sisters
to the Fine Line Corporation, which is now an independent not-for-profit entity.
Who runs The
Fine Line?
Lynn Caldwell is the Director of The Fine Line. There are four paid staff members.
Two full time members in residence: Sister Peter Julian Werner, graphic artist,
and Sister Geraldine McGovern, Building and Maintenance Manager; two part-time
staff, bookkeeper Sue Shirkey and shop manager/registrar Annie Kordesh.
All other administrative and management responsibilities
are filled by volunteers: a volunteer Board of Directors, curriculum
committee, shop workers, information technology support, membership,
fundraising, lawn and garden maintenance, and gallery exhibits.
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How is The
Fine Line funded?
The Fine Line has two categories of income. Contributed income, representing
approximately 37% of total income, includes memberships, grant receipts, the
Annual Appeal, and income from "special fundraising events." The
premier fundraiser is Uncommon Threads. On a smaller scale is The Members’ Christmas
Show and Sale and Raku Day are two other fundraising events. We have also realized
some success with Grant Applications. The Richard E. Driehaus Foundation has
given TFL a general operating grant in 2005 and we have been awarded a small
grant from the St. Charles Cultural Commission. The amount of this grant varies
from year to year. We have resubmitted these requests for 2006-07.
Earned Income is the second category of income which
includes tuition from classes and workshops; income from shop and gallery
sales; and interest earnings. Our intention is to emphasize more marketing
of TFL and all it has to offer. Hopefully as we move into the future
this will also be an important source of revenue.
What
is the cost of membership in The Fine Line?
Membership in the Fine Line is $35 per year, or $65 per two years. We also
offer a one year Couple Membership at $65; A 2 year Couple Membership at $130.
Membership Renewal Forms are sent out to each member one month prior to their
expiration month. This gives each member not only the opportunity of renewing
their membership but also the chance of submitting any changes or up dates
in their membership profile.
Each year becomes more and more special as we try
to offer more challenging classes and workshops as well as special events
to our community at large.
Many of our members have given outstanding support to
the Center through their yearly membership and participation in our classes,
workshops and special events. It is through this on-going support that
we are able to continue to offer a variety of classes and events each
semester as well as pay the bills and keep the welcome mat out.
Because our list of members who believe in the work of
this Center continues to grow, we have made a conscious effort to recognize
this support through member discounts for classes/workshops, as well
as a 10% discount on most items in The Fine Line Shop. (Exceptions: books,
magazines and equipment of $100 or more.) The benefits are felt not only
in your receiving special discounts but also in receiving all of our
mailings (semester schedules, newsletter Table Talk, and all announcements
of our special events and exhibits).
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What are
the Business Hours at The Fine Line?
The Fine Line Office, Shop and Gallery Hours are:
10 AM – 5 PM Monday through Saturday.
The Fine Line is closed Sundays.
What are
Class/Workshop Hours at The Fine Line?
Classes and Workshops are held:
9 AM – 9 PM Monday through Thursday
9 AM – 5 PM Friday and Saturday
What Semester
Breaks/Holidays does the Fine Line Observe?
The Fine Line schedules three semester breaks during the school year. These
are always listed in our Schedule of Classes.
At the end of the Fall Session: Holiday
Break varies from December 19/20 to January 3rd or 4th of the New Year.
Spring Break: Around the
Easter/Passover Holidays.
Summer Break: Usually
the two middle weeks in August.
The Fine Line closes for these
legal holidays:
Memorial Day Weekend – 3-4 Days
Independence Day (4th of July) – 3-4 Days, if falling on a weekend
Labor Day Weekend – 3-4 Days
Thanksgiving Day Weekend – Wednesday before Thanksgiving through Sunday
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How
does the Fine Line Accept Payment for Classes/Workshops?
The Fine Line accepts payment in cash, personal/business checks, MasterCard
and VISA. We encourage you to register for class by filling out the registration
form and enclosing your check or charge card information and mailing it to
TFL. Or, you may phone in the information to TFL between the hours of 10 AM
- 5 PM Monday through Saturday.
What
is the Fine Line's Registration Policy for Regular Classes?
In order to reserve space in the classes and workshops of your choice by Fine
Line Faculty, you are required to pay for all tuition and material fees in
full. The only exception to this will be where material fees are TBA (to be
arranged). Those material fees will be paid the day of the first session. Only
when we receive your check or credit card payment for the full amount, will
we enter you into the class roster.
Please register for a class at least 7 days prior to
when that class meets. If you withdraw from a class 8 days prior to the
beginning of that class, you will receive a refund minus a $10 cancellation
fee. If you withdraw from a class 7 days or less prior to that class,
you will not receive a refund. If a class is cancelled, you will receive
a full refund.
What
is the Fine Line's Registration Policy for Guest Artist Workshops?
Since Fine Line must commit to these workshops and lectures 30 days in advance,
we must have special policies. You may pay in full when you register. If you
must cancel and it is more than 31 days before the class, you will receive
a refund minus a $25 cancellation fee. If it is less than 30 days before the
workshop, you will not receive a refund. Perhaps you can find someone to take
your place so your payment is not totally lost.
As a service to our students, and since we try to
advertise our workshops well in advance, we offer a NON-REFUNDABLE deposit
of $50
for each guest artist workshop. This assures you a place in the workshop
roster. However, you must pay the full amount due (less the $50 deposit)
by 45 days before the workshop. Once you have secured your spot with
full payment, you are subject to the policy in the above paragraph. If
you cancel before you have paid the full amount of the class, you forfeit
the $50 deposit. If The Fine Line must cancel a workshop, your money
will be refunded.
How can I get the Fineline Flash newsletter sent to
me by email?
Sign up to receive periodic newsletters, events, class
registration information and announcements. We will not distribute your
email address.
Enter your email to receive
the Fine Line Flash
Electronic Newsletter updates: |
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