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 money 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 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 (part-time) staff members: Program Director Amanda Schleede, Marketing Director Robin Kittleson. Bookkeeper Susan Farnham 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?

While the Fine Line earns a sizable portion from the classes that are taught, we still rely on contributed income including memberships, grant receipts, the Annual Appeal, and income from "special fundraising events." The premier fundraiser is Uncommon Threads. On a smaller scale are The Christmastime at the Fine Line Members Show and Sale and Raku Day.

 

What is the cost of membership in the Fine Line?

Membership in the Fine Line is $35 per year, or $65 for 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 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 Friday

9 AM – 5 PM Saturday

 

Is there a place to stay close to the Fine Line?

There are many area hotels. The closest is the Fairfield Inn & Suites at Randall and Bricher Roads in St. Charles. Students of the Fine Line needing overnight accommodations can make reservations there with the hotel's direct line (630-845-5500) and will receive a discounted rate if they mention wishing to use the corporate rate for the Fine Line Creative Arts Center. Students can also make reservations directly through the following link and receive the same discount: Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago St. Charles .

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 from December 18th to January 2nd of the New Year.

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, VISA and Discover. We encourage you to register for classes online (available 24/7) or 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?

To reserve space in classes and workshops of your choice, you are required to pay for all tuition and material fees in full. The only exception to this will be where material fees are TBD (to be determined). Those material fees will be paid during the class session. Only when we receive your payment in full, we enter you on the class roster.

Please register for classes at least 7 days prior to when that class meets. If you withdraw from a class 8 days prior to the beginning of the class, you will receive a refund minus a $10 cancellation fee. If you withdraw from a class 7 days or less prior to the 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 - 45 days in advance, we must have special policies. You may pay in full when you register. If you cancel 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 owed (less the $50 deposit) 45 days before the workshop begins. 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.