The Academy is conveniently located in Mount Sterling, Kentucky - only 40 minutes from downtown Lexington and within a 30-minute drive for 150,000 Kentuckians - we are the prime location for your next creative outing!
From our popular Paint & Sip classes to Ballroom Dance workshops… from a foodways cooking class with a renowned chef to lessons in Appalachian mountain dulcimer… we have a little bit of everything for everyone!
Our classes are open to the public, and we do our best to keep everything affordable for you and your family to enjoy. Please note that new classes will regularly be added throughout the year, so keep checking back if you don’t see what you want right now!
All the Arts for All the People!
Our building is fully ADA Accessible. GRAC is a certified Safe Space.
With any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact our Director of Education & Community Programming, Jill Kohr at jill@grackentucky.org or call 859-498-6264.
Cancellation in less than 3 days prior to class (fewer than 72 hours)
No refund or class credit can be given for cancellations under 72 hours prior to the start time of the class the ticketholder is enrolled in.
Cancellation with greater than 3 days to class (72 hours)
If the ticketholder cancels via email or written notification to the Gateway Regional Arts Center at least 72 hours (three days) prior to the start time of the class, they will receive a class credit for the amount paid.
Cancellation greater than one week (7 days)
If a ticketholder cancels via email or written notification to the Gateway Regional Arts Center at least one week (seven days) prior to the start time of the class, they can receive a refund minus a $5 processing fee.
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Visual Arts
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Dance
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Music
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Theater
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Foodways
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Photography
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Literary
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Language
Super Saturday Explorers: Halloween
Calling all young explorers! Join us for Super Saturday Explorers this month! Theme: Halloween!
Paint a glow-in-the-dark skeleton, fly a ghost glider, and more! Don't forget to wear your costume!
Super Saturday Explorers is an exciting hands-on STEAM workshop, where kids dive into science, technology, engineering, art, and math through fun, themed activities! Each session brings a brand-new adventure—all designed to spark creativity and curiosity. Explorers will receive their own vest and earn a unique patch every time they attend, matching that month's theme. No long-term commitment—just sign up for the workshops that interest you!
$15/Student with Arts for All pricing available.
Ages 7-13. Pre-registration is required. Materials and snack included.
Puppy Yoga
Join us for Puppy Yoga where adorable, adoptable puppies from the Montgomery County Animal Shelter will roam freely throughout the class. You’ll flow through relaxing poses while playful pups offer cuddles, kisses, and might even climb onto your mat. Not only is this a unique way to unwind and connect, but it’s also a chance to make a difference. A portion of the proceeds will go directly to support the shelter and, who knows; you might even meet your new best friend!
Come for the stretch, stay for the snuggles, and support a great cause!
Ages 10+. Mats provided.
A Taste of Fall Cooking Class
Come savor the season! Roll up your sleeves for a hands-on cooking class where you’ll make a cozy three-course harvest meal:
- pasta with seasonal sauce
- harvest salad with fresh-made dressing
- autumn spice dessert
Learn new kitchen skills, enjoy your creations together, and take home the recipes to share with family and friends.
Ages 16+. All Materials Provided.
Paint & Sip: No Ear November
Swirl, shine, and create—paint like Van Gogh!
Sip, paint, and unwind! No experience needed—just bring your creativity and enjoy a fun, guided painting session with your favorite drink. Unleash your inner artist, savor every sip, and create lifelong memories!
Featuring trivia games on Van Gogh!
Ages 16+. Includes one drink voucher per attendee. Non-alcoholic beverages available. Please bring a valid 21+ ID if planning to purchase adult beverages.
Super Saturday Explorers: Secret Agents & Spies
Super Saturday Explorers is an exciting hands-on STEAM workshop, where kids dive into science, technology, engineering, art, and math through fun, themed activities! Each session brings a brand-new adventure—all designed to spark creativity and curiosity. Explorers will receive their own vest and earn a unique patch every time they attend, matching that month's theme. No long-term commitment—just sign up for the workshops that interest you!
$15/Student with Arts for All pricing available.
Ages 7-13. Pre-registration is required. Materials and snack included.
Kentucky Music Heritage Workshops
Explore the sounds of Kentucky at our Heritage Music Workshops. Choose your session, and all are welcome to participate in the Songwriter’s round—just $10 covers the whole series.
2:00pm - 3:45pm
Clawhammer Banjo with Carla Gover
Mandolin with John Looney
Fiddle with John Harrod
Guitar with Matt Parsons
Songwriting with Anna Kline
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Songwriter’s Round
Paint & Sip: Degas December
Grace, Movement, and Magic—Paint Degas' Dancers with a Nutcracker Twist!
Handbuilt Pottery: Ghost Friends
Perfect for all skill levels, this fun and spooky workshop will guide you through shaping, glazing, and firing adorable ceramic ghosts that will haunt your home. Students can make up to 6 ghosts, enough to make your whole family! Embrace your creativity and bring some playful spirit to your pottery. No tricks, just treats!
Session #1 - Sculpt
The $40 price point covers 1 attendee for all 3 required sessions, students under the age of 10 are welcome to register but MUST be accompanied by an adult. Pick-up date: October 21st
Creative Freedom: "Fall" In Love With Art
FREE for Veterans and their families, another Creative Freedom Workshop is here! Come learn from local artist Tyler Henderson to make your own masterpiece. All skill levels are welcome! Sip some cider, paint the rich colors of Autumn, and “Fall” in love with art!
Super Saturday Explorers: Space
Super Saturday Explorers is an exciting hands-on STEAM workshop, where kids dive into science, technology, engineering, art, and math through fun, themed activities! Each session brings a brand-new adventure—all designed to spark creativity and curiosity. Explorers will receive their own vest and earn a unique patch every time they attend, matching that month's theme. No long-term commitment—just sign up for the workshops that interest you!
$15/Student with Arts for All pricing available.
Ages 7-13. Pre-registration is required. Materials and snack included.
Paint & Sip: Spanish September
From Picasso to Dalí—Paint with the Passion of Spain!
Sip, paint, and unwind! No experience needed—just bring your creativity and enjoy a fun, guided painting session with your favorite drink. Unleash your inner artist, savor every sip, and create lifelong memories!
Featuring trivia games on Spanish artists and the Surrealist art movement!
Ages 16+. Includes one drink voucher per attendee. Non-alcoholic beverages available. Please bring a valid 21+ ID if planning to purchase adult beverages.
Creative Freedom: Handmade Pasta Making
FREE for Veterans and their families, another Creative Freedom Workshop is here! Come learn from Veteran James Garbarini to make your own pasta from scratch. All skill levels are welcome! Come create a delicious meal, share in the joy of cooking, and take home a new learned skill!
Handbuilt Pottery: Birdhouse
Join us for a fun, four-session pottery workshop where you'll create your own handcrafted birdhouse! Perfect for all experience levels, this hands-on class will guide you through each step—shaping, refining, decorating, and glazing your pieces. Walk away with unique, functional pottery to gift or to add charm and personality to your garden!
The $40 price point covers 1 attendee for all 4 required sessions, students under the age of 13 are welcome to register but MUST be accompanied by an adult. Pick-up date: September 2nd
Session #1
Super Saturday Explorers: Dinosaurs & Fossils
Super Saturday Explorers is an exciting hands-on STEAM workshop, where kids dive into science, technology, engineering, art, and math through fun, themed activities! Each session brings a brand-new adventure—all designed to spark creativity and curiosity. Explorers will receive their own vest and earn a unique patch every time they attend, matching that month's theme. No long-term commitment—just sign up for the workshops that interest you!
$15/Student with Arts for All pricing available.
Ages 7-13. Pre-registration is required. Materials and snack included.
Super Saturday Explorers: Mad Scientist
Calling all young explorers! Join us for this month’s Super Saturday Explorers, where the theme is Mad Scientist. Get ready to experiment, mix, make, and even cause a few exciting explosions! Kids will create Magic Milk, Elephant Toothpaste, Slime, and more in this hands-on STEAM workshop. Super Saturday Explorers offers an engaging way for kids to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math through themed activities that spark creativity and curiosity. Each session is a brand-new adventure, and participants receive their own explorer vest and earn a unique patch that matches the month’s theme.
$15/Student with Arts for All pricing available.
Ages 7-13. Pre-registration is required. Materials and snack included.
Paint & Sip: POP Art July
Bold Colors, Big Ideas—Unleash Your Inner Pop Artist!
Sip, paint, and unwind! No experience needed—just bring your creativity and enjoy a fun, guided painting session with your favorite drink. Unleash your inner artist, savor every sip, and create lifelong memories!
Featuring trivia games on the Pop Art Movement!
Ages 16+. Includes one drink voucher per attendee. Non-alcoholic beverages available. Please bring a valid 21+ ID if planning to purchase adult beverages.
Super Saturday Explorers: Super Mario
A monthly exciting hands-on S.T.E.A.M. workshop, where kids dive into science, technology, engineering, art, and math through fun, themed activities! Each session brings a brand-new adventure—all designed to spark creativity and curiosity. Explorers will receive their own vest and earn a unique patch every time they attend. This month's theme: Super Mario!
Kids will prep a pot for Piranha Plants, Fire Flowers, and Mushrooms, then dive into science with a Bob-omb explosive experiment! They’ll also design their very own Yoshi egg and imagine a brand-new hybrid animal to hatch from it.
(Ages 7-13. $15/Student with Arts for All Pricing Available. Pre-registration is REQUIRED. Materials and Snack Provided.)
Creative Freedom Workshop
Calling all Veterans, friends, and family — it’s time to get artsy! Join us at the June Creative Freedom Workshop for resin pouring taught by Dee Berger. No experience needed, just good vibes!
(Please note the resin will need to cure for 24 hours and then can be shipped or picked up at GRAC)
Paint & Sip: ReMAYssance
Sip, paint, and unwind! No experience needed—just bring your creativity and enjoy a fun, guided painting session with your favorite drink. Unleash your inner artist, savor every sip, and create lifelong memories! Featuring trivia games on the Renaissance Art Movement!
(Ages 16+. Includes one drink voucher per attendee. Non-alcoholic beverages available. Please bring a valid 21+ ID if planning to purchase adult beverages.)
Handbuilt Pottery: Butter Dish & Spoon Rest
Session #1
Join us for a fun, four-session pottery workshop where you'll create your own handcrafted butter dish and spoon rest! Perfect for all experience levels, this hands-on class will guide you through each step—shaping, refining, decorating, and glazing your pieces. Walk away with unique, functional pottery to add charm and personality to your kitchen!
Ages 13+. Students under the age of 13 are welcome to register but MUST be accompanied by an adult.
Super Saturday Explorers: Robots
Join us for Super Saturday Explorers this month as we dive into our exciting theme: Robots! Kids will craft their own robot companion, engineer a robot that can draw, and learn all about real-life robots. They’ll also earn a special collectible patch for their Explorer Vest!
(Ages 7-13. $15/Student with Arts for All Pricing Available. Pre-registration is REQUIRED. Materials and Snack Provided.)
Super Saturday Explorers: Superheroes
A monthly exciting hands-on S.T.E.A.M. workshop, where kids dive into science, technology, engineering, art, and math through fun, themed activities! Each session brings a brand-new adventure—all designed to spark creativity and curiosity. Explorers will receive their own vest and earn a unique patch every time they attend. This month's theme: Superheroes!
(Ages 7-13. $15/Student with Arts for All Pricing Available. Pre-registration is REQUIRED. Materials and Snack Provided.)
Handbuilt Pottery: Salad Bowl & Herb Stripper
Session #3: Glaze
Join us for a fun, three-session pottery workshop where you'll create your own handcrafted salad bowl and herb stripper! Perfect for all experience levels, this hands-on class will guide you through shaping, decorating, and glazing your pieces. Walk away with unique, functional pottery to elevate your kitchen!
The $40 price point covers 1 attendee for all 3 sessions, students under the age of 13 are welcome to register but MUST be accompanied by an adult
Basket Weaving
Session #2: Finish Basket and Bracelets
Join us for a hands-on Basket Weaving Class, where you’ll learn the fundamentals of this timeless craft! Over two sessions, you’ll create your own woven basket while exploring traditional techniques and patterns. As a bonus, you’ll also craft a stylish woven bracelet or 2 to take home. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this class offers a fun and creative way to learn the art of weaving. All materials provided—just bring your enthusiasm!
The $35 price point covers 1 attendee for both sessions, students under the age of 12 are welcome to register but MUST be accompanied by an adult.
Basket Weaving
Session #1: Start Basket
Join us for a hands-on Basket Weaving Class, where you’ll learn the fundamentals of this timeless craft! Over two sessions, you’ll create your own woven basket while exploring traditional techniques and patterns. As a bonus, you’ll also craft a stylish woven bracelet or 2 to take home. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this class offers a fun and creative way to learn the art of weaving. All materials provided—just bring your enthusiasm!
The $35 price point covers 1 attendee for both sessions, students under the age of 12 are welcome to register but MUST be accompanied by an adult.
Handbuilt Pottery: Salad Bowl & Herb Stripper
Session #2: Sculpt
Join us for a fun, three-session pottery workshop where you'll create your own handcrafted salad bowl and herb stripper! Perfect for all experience levels, this hands-on class will guide you through shaping, decorating, and glazing your pieces. Walk away with unique, functional pottery to elevate your kitchen!
The $40 price point covers 1 attendee for all 3 sessions, students under the age of 13 are welcome to register but MUST be accompanied by an adult
Paint & Sip: Monet March
Paint Light, Color, and Beauty—Create Like Monet!
Sip, paint, and unwind! No experience needed—just bring your creativity and enjoy a fun, guided painting session with your favorite drink. Unleash your inner artist, savor every sip, and create lifelong memories! Featuring trivia games on the featured artist!
Ages 16+. Includes one drink voucher per attendee. Non-alcoholic beverages available. Please bring a valid 21+ ID if planning to purchase adult beverages.
Super Saturday Explorers: Disney
A monthly exciting hands-on S.T.E.A.M. workshop, where kids dive into science, technology, engineering, art, and math through fun, themed activities! Each session brings a brand-new adventure—all designed to spark creativity and curiosity. Explorers will receive their own vest and earn a unique patch every time they attend. This month’s theme is Disney, featuring projects like building a Moana Water Filtration System, painting a Rapunzel Glowing Flower, and creating a Frozen Snowglobe. Let the magic of learning begin!
(Ages 8-13. $15/Student with Arts for All Pricing Available. Pre-registration is REQUIRED. Materials and Snack Provided.)
Handbuilt Pottery: Salad Bowl & Herb Stripper
Session #1: Sculpt
Join us for a fun, three-session pottery workshop where you'll create your own handcrafted salad bowl and herb stripper! Perfect for all experience levels, this hands-on class will guide you through shaping, decorating, and glazing your pieces. Walk away with unique, functional pottery to elevate your kitchen!
The $40 price point covers 1 attendee for all 3 sessions, students under the age of 13 are welcome to register but MUST be accompanied by an adult
Creative Freedom: Car Freshies
Our 3rd Creative Freedom Workshop is here. Bring your families and learn from Veteran Sherry Hosler to craft your own personalized car freshie!
All skill levels are welcome! Come create something beautiful, share in the joy of artistry, and take home a new accessory for your vehicle!