Fine Line

Fine Line Creative Arts Center is an amazing collaborative community on a beautiful campus that now exceeds 12 acres. The diverse class openings and guest workshops with famous instructors are amazing, and both galleries onsite offer beautiful work, much of it for purchase. There are several special events per year, and one need only read the printed schedule or online descriptions to get all the information needed for a perfect visit!

I’m currently finishing up my first wheel throwing class here and have really enjoyed it. My instructor is incredibly knowledgable, patient and nice to everyone and within 3 months I have learned a great deal. Also, included in classes, they let us practice in the studio and make pieces whenever it’s not in use for class. That’s really nice — I’m there up to three days a week.
The only reason this isn’t five stars is that it’s a bit disorganized — it’s hard to tell when classes are b/​c no schedule is posted, they’ve often been out of clay and glazes and it takes a long time to get pieces fired and finished due to no real schedule. But these are all things I barely think about due to the enjoyment, overall. For those looking for a casual environment to explore the craft, it’s perfect.

Good classes, & a good school. Many worthwhile things going on here.
–1 star = incorrect information over the phone (called the day before, & asked specifically about the blacksmithing class (weather permitting was listed on the web site). Was told it would be available. The weather had not changed from 24 hours previously, & blacksmithing was not available.
— 1 star = went to their ‘open house’ (exploration day) & «had to be preregistered «per telephone. When signing up for a membership, they would not give you the member price for that day’s class. Technically it works, but is (i.m.h.o.) not a very good way to recruit a new members who are willing to spend a couple of hours getting there & back.

The Fine Line was very cool. At first I didn’t quite understand what it really was, however when I picked up the brochure I learned that they offer a wide variety of art classes, and facilitate some pretty cool creative endeavors. The entire barn-​themed area was very cool and interesting and seemed very peaceful. Ideally, my next visit will be for a class, however I’ll have to wait for some extra cash to come my way; not to say a course would be ‘expensive’ I just don’t quite have the means/​time for an extra expense like that.
They also sell art supplies and I think every color of yarn that ever existed. TFL is certainly worth a visit.

Nestled in the beautiful Fox River Valley, this art center was a peaceful and inviting place place to learn a new skill. It’s definitely a place I’ll come back to, for shopping for a special gift made by a local artist, or some fiber for my next project, or just to enjoy the setting.
Check it out!

I heard about this place through a friend and finally made the trip to this wonderful retreat this morning. I went with another artist friend and we were treated by two ladies working there to a walking tour of the facility. They offer classes in weaving, pottery, drawing, paper making, collage, print making, jewelry… I’m sure I’m forgetting some but it’s an amazing little oasis of really great artistic energy. The grounds are beautiful and the classes are taught by renown artists. I can’t wait to go back and take a class.