CFAC -  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.)

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?

Fall semester starts in September, and the Spring semester starts in January. Classes run for 10 weeks for each 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?

In 2025, we reduced the administrative fee from $95 to $35 per child to make it easier for families to participate in CFAC. This fee is waived for families eligible for the National School Lunch Program.

The fee reduction and waived fees are made possible by the generosity of supporters who purchase artwork or donate to help sustain the program and allow future students to take part.

What if my child needs to miss a class or be late?

We ask that students miss no more than 2 classes during the semester, and do not leave early or arrive late for the classes. Teacher’s time is better spent with the students and not repeating lessons.

Why does my child need to donate artwork at the end of the semester?

Each semester, students contribute one piece of artwork to the exhibit. Artwork sales help sustain the CFAC program and make it possible for future students to participate. Donating a piece also gives your child the chance to give back and have their work displayed 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 each semester are in early August and December. Many classes sell out in the first 15-20 minutes of sign-ups, so log in quickly to secure your preferred class.

What if my student needs to miss a CFAC class?

LVA realizes that students get sick and issues happen to make attending all 10 of the classes not possible. We prefer for students not to miss more than 2 classes during the semester to get the full benefit of the program. We do not make up missed classes for student absences.

Reimbursements for withdrawals will go by the following schedule:

  • Cancellations received on or before 4 weeks before the start of the semester - refunded 90%

  • Cancellations received on or before 3 weeks before the start of the semester - refunded 75%

  • Cancellations received on or before 2 weeks before the start of the semester - refunded 50%

  • Cancellations received on or before 1 week before the start of the semester - refunded 25%

  • Cancellations received on or after 24 hours before the start of the semester - refunded 0%

I need this to go on the CFAC home page and the CFAC registration page, link the FAQ to the CFAC FAQ:

Questions? Contact Annette Cable, annette@louisvillevisualart.org 502-584-8166

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?

You can buy your child’s artwork online or in person at the reception. Each semester, students contribute one piece of artwork to the exhibit. Buying artwork helps support CFAC and ensures future students can take part in the program.

Families in the Free or Reduced Lunch Program have options. You can choose to purchase the artwork, or use the code FREELUNCH26 at checkout to receive it at no cost.

Why does my purchase matter?

Your support helps students grow as artists, work with others, and share their ideas. Sales also help fund this program for future CFAC students, building creative kids, strong families, and vibrant communities.

What happens to my child’s artwork if I do not purchase it?

Any artwork that is not purchased may be donated to partner organizations, sold to raise funds to support future CFAC scholarships, or help beautify our office! 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 need based 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