Flint Institute of Arts' Fall registration is now open with expanded classes and workshops

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

FLINT, Michigan — The Flint Institute of Arts (FIA) has officially opened registration for its Fall session, giving residents across Genesee County and beyond the chance to explore their creativity through a wide variety of classes and workshops. The Art School is offering opportunities for youth, teens, and adults of all skill levels, continuing its mission to make the arts accessible to the entire community.

Fall classes begin Sept. 8, but registration will remain open until classes begin or fill. In addition to multi-week courses, the schedule includes shorter workshops and one-day sessions that provide more flexible options for people with busy schedules. Registration for the FIA’s winter session is also just around the corner, opening on Nov. 10.

Donovan Entrekin, FIA Art School Director, said this year’s lineup features notable expansions in programming.

“We have begun offering robust creative writing opportunities that complement our visual arts offerings and take inspiration from the museum and artworks,” Entrekin said. “These are unique opportunities that are largely unavailable to our community outside of degree-based programs at the colleges and universities. We have also expanded our ceramics program to include some weekend courses, as well as very accessible one-day workshops.”

The addition of creative writing courses represents a shift for the FIA, which has traditionally focused on the visual arts. These new classes are designed to encourage participants to engage with art differently, through storytelling, poetry, and other forms of written expression inspired by the museum’s collections. By integrating both visual and written mediums, FIA aims to provide a more holistic creative experience.

Ceramics has long been one of the most popular areas of study at the FIA, and Entrekin noted that the expansion into weekend and single-day workshops is a direct response to community demand. These shorter formats are designed for individuals who may not be able to commit to a full session but still want the opportunity to explore clay, pottery, and sculpture.

Beyond adding new courses, the FIA continues to emphasize its commitment to accessibility and inclusion, ensuring that financial or logistical barriers do not prevent residents from participating.

“The FIA is committed to ensuring our programming is available to everyone in our community,” Entrekin said. “We provide tuition assistance to bring the cost of attending classes within reach of anyone, regardless of financial circumstances. We also offer a number of free opportunities throughout the year, including public glass demos every weekend.”

The tuition assistance program helps reduce the cost of classes for families or individuals facing financial constraints, while free public demonstrations such as the weekly glassblowing events, invite people to experience the magic of art without any cost. These efforts are part of FIA’s broader goal of making the arts a vital and accessible part of everyday life in Flint.

When asked about early enrollment patterns, Entrekin said the Fall session is already showing familiar trends.

“Ceramics courses always tend to fill up quickly. Glass fusing courses also tend to be very popular,” he said. “We do have a handful of spots left in our drawing, painting, creative writing, and glass-blowing classes.”

The popularity of ceramics and glass courses reflects a national interest in hands-on, tactile creative practices, but FIA’s diverse schedule ensures that students who prefer drawing, painting, or writing will also find opportunities. By offering a wide range of classes, the Art School hopes to accommodate both new learners and experienced artists seeking to deepen their practice.

For first-time registrants, Entrekin emphasized the importance of acting quickly once registration opens.

“The best way to get the classes you want is to sign up online and within the first few days of registration opening each session,” he said. “We are always happy to sit down with students and discuss their interests to help guide them toward the right teacher or class for their particular goals. All course descriptions include skill level and supply information, but again, the Art School office is always available to answer questions and provide guidance.”

This personalized support helps ensure that students are matched with classes that fit their goals and skill levels, whether they are beginners testing out a new hobby or advanced students looking to refine their craft.

While the FIA is still seeking strong testimonials to highlight individual student experiences, Entrekin said the Art School consistently hears from participants about the sense of community, creativity, and inspiration that comes from taking part in its programs. Those stories, he added, are some of the strongest testaments to the impact of arts education in Flint.

The Fall session marks another chapter in FIA’s ongoing effort to serve as a hub for cultural and artistic engagement in the region. By expanding its programming, maintaining robust financial assistance, and responding to community demand, the Art School continues to strengthen its role as a resource for both seasoned artists and newcomers alike.

Fall classes begin Sept. 8, with workshops and shorter classes scheduled throughout the season. Registration remains open until classes begin or are filled, and details on winter session courses will be available beginning Nov. 10.

For more information on courses, schedules, and registration, please visit this link.