Children's Fine Art Classes - Frequently Asked Questions
I would like for my child to be part of CFAC! How does it all work?
Students need to be recommended by their art teacher or principal to participate in the CFAC program. Founded in 1925, the Children's Fine Art Classes (CFAC) program provides intensive, in-depth studio art experiences for talented and motivated students, grades 4-8. The program offers concentrated studies in two-dimensional art that include studio practices in drawing and painting; art history; critiquing skills; and aesthetics. To ensure that every deserving student has the opportunity to participate, art instruction is supported by scholarship.
What are the benefits of the CFAC program?
Creative thinking is such an important part of a child’s development— we help foster creative thinking and also help our students gain confidence and new technical skills! Students that have higher exposure to the arts are statistically shown to perform better on standardized testing and have a higher rate of enrollment at the post-secondary education level. (Sourced from the NEA.) 100% of our graduating seniors in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 were offered scholarships or financial aid when applying to universities around the country.
My child is currently in a CFAC class, do they need to be recommended again next semester?
No, once a child is in the program they are welcome to continue to sign up each semester. They will not need to be recommended by their art teacher again.
When do CFAC classes start? How long is a semester?
The spring semester starts in mid-January and the fall semester starts in mid-September. Classes run for 8 weeks for the Fall 2020 semester, meeting for two hours each week.
My child has been recommended. What is the next step?
You will receive a link to sign up online once your child has been recommended. You can decide what class location/day works best for you and sign up for any open class for your child’s grade level.
How much does it cost to participate in CFAC?
All CFAC classes are covered by a $350 tuition scholarship. We ask that parents pay a $85 administration fee per child, unless the students participate in a free or reduced lunch program. In which case the registration fee is waived.
You mean every student that’s recommended automatically gets a scholarship?!
Yes! Each child receives a $350 scholarship to participate — even those paying a supply fee. We want to make sure that a child’s financial situation is never a hindrance to their participation in CFAC, so we write lots of grants to make it happen! A big thank you to The Kentucky Arts Council and the Fund for the Arts for being such great supporters! You can see all our supporters on our infographic here.
Why does my child need to donate artwork at the end of the semester?
Artwork sales go directly back into CFAC to help cover the supply fee for students who participate in the free or reduced lunch program. We absolutely love being able to offer each child that participates a $350 scholarship, so donating a piece of artwork each semester allows your child to give back to the program while also having the chance to exhibit their artwork in a gallery setting.
I just realized my student can’t participate this semester. Can I have the administration fee back?
We are disappointed your child won’t be able to participate in CFAC this semester. We are not able to give refunds once the semester has started as other students can no longer take their place in the class. If you withdraw your student more than 24 hours before the semester starts, we can refund your administration fee, minus a 10% processing fee. Any withdrawals made after the semester has started will not be eligible for a refund. All withdrawal requests must be sent to annette@louisvillevisualart.org
I just realized my student has a scheduling conflict. Can my child switch classes?
If it is 24 hours before the semester starts AND the class you would like to switch into has a spot open, we can accommodate your request. If the semester has already started, we can no longer transfer students.
I wasn’t able to get into my preferred class site! What now?
Shucks! We hate that students can’t always get their preferred location. Be sure to join the waitlist, and we’ll let you know if anything opens up. If you are able to make another location work, we always recommend going for that option, if possible. The sooner you sign up, the more likely it is that you’ll get your preferred class.
When does registration start?
Signups for the fall semester open on August 17th at 9:00am and for the spring semester on December 1st at 9:00am. Many classes sell out in the first 15-20 minutes of sign-ups, so log in quickly to secure your preferred class.
When is the exhibition?
The annual exhibition is held each year in late spring/early summer. All students will be notified of the exhibition and reception dates via email, and they are posted on our website.
How do I purchase my child’s work?
Artwork can be purchased online up to a week before the exhibition opens, as well as in-person at the reception. Artwork is $35 per piece or $60 for two pieces. Artwork sales support future scholarships and programming for CFAC. Families who participate in the free or reduced lunch program will have the option to "pay what you can," with the suggested donation being $35 per piece.
What happens to my child’s artwork if I do not purchase it?
Any artwork that is not purchased is donated to partner organizations, sold to raise funds to support future CFAC scholarships, or helps beautify our offices! We try to find a home for all unsold work, but with over 1,000 pieces coming in each year, we are not able to store any work that is not sold.
My child is in middle school. How do they continue classes in high school?
We would love for your child to participate in The Academy of LVA! All they need to do is sign up online for any classes they would like to take. Academy classes are tuition-based, but we do have sliding scale scholarships available for those who apply. You can learn all about The Academy online here.
Still have questions? Contact:
Annette Cable, annette@louisvillevisualart.org 502-584-8166 x109