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

About Us

• What is The Fine Line Creative Arts Center?
• Who owns The Fine Line?
• Who runs The Fine Line?
• How is The Fine Line funded?
• What is the cost of membership in The Fine Line?
• What are the business hours at The Fine Line?
• What are classes/workshop hours at The Fine Line?
• What semester breaks/holidays does The Fine Line observe?
• How does The Fine Line accept payment for classes/workshops?
• What is The Fine Line’s registration policy for regular classes?
• What is The Fine Line’s registration policy for Guest Artist Workshops?
• How can I get the Fine Line Flash newsletter sent to me by email?

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.

<<BACK TO TOP>>

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).

<<BACK TO TOP>>

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

<<BACK TO TOP>>

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.

Enter your email to receive the Fine Line Flash Electronic Newsletter updates:

<<BACK TO TOP>>