By Amelia Orwick

This spring, the UK College of Fine Arts is giving local adults the opportunity to strengthen their art skills through non-credit courses.

The courses have been offered for several years and have proven to be a hit among Lexington citizens.

UK students are welcome to enroll, but the courses are most popular among adults looking to exercise their creativity.

“They are designed for UK employees and people outside in the community,” Jane Andrus, fine arts coordinator, said.

All events take place during the evenings or weekends, making it easy for working adults to attend.

Course subjects range from ceramics, to photography, to watercolor painting. There will be 10 classes, five workshops and three one-day special events to choose from over a nine-week period.

Each course is taught by a professional within that particular field. Most are either UK alumni or work in the Fine Arts program.

Lynn Sweet is an expert in woodworking and has taught through the program for many years.

“I’ve been here forever,” Sweet said. “I enjoy the interaction between the undergraduate, graduate and fine arts students. …It’s very fulfilling to see people go from nothing to something.”

Although the courses are supposed to be enjoyable, they also prove to be challenging for some.

“(The students) learn right away just how much precision is required to actually make a functional object. … It often surprises people just how difficult it is.”

Overall, the Fine Arts School has received positive feedback from community members who have taken the courses.

“A lot of people say, ‘We’re so glad that you’re doing this, because no one else is,’” Andrus said.

In fact, many enjoy their experiences so much that they choose to return for another chance to learn and improve their abilities.

“People have a feeling of accomplishment when they finish … it seems to be a very satisfactory experience,” Sweet said.

Courses begin Feb. 7 and run through April 15. They will not be held during spring break. Locations include the Fine Arts Building, Reynolds Building and Lucille Little Fine Arts Library.

A full schedule, as well as the registration form, is available on UK’s website.