The Fly to Offer Free Art Classes to Bedford County Residents With New Art For All Program
- sevenmeloy
- Sep 28
- 2 min read
With funding from the Tennessee Arts Commission, The Fly Arts Center will offer 12 no cost art classes to area residents.
Beginning in September 2025, The Fly Arts Center will offer free art classes to Bedford County residents through their new program, Art For All. The Art For All program will feature 12 different classes through June 2026.
The main goal of Art For All is to provide accessible, high-quality arts education to Bedford County residents of all backgrounds and income levels. Through instruction in acrylic, oil, watercolor, gouache, mixed-media, collage and drawing, the program will aim to nurture creativity, foster lifelong learning and build a stronger, more connected community through the arts.
Access to quality arts education remains limited in rural communities, including Bedford County. For many residents, cost, transportation and lack of exposure prevent participation in formal art instruction. The lack of access not only deprives individuals of personal enrichment but also hinders community-wide appreciation of the arts. By offering free or low-cost classes that are inclusive and engaging, Art For All seeks to remove barriers and make art a vital shared experience in our community.
The Art for All program will offer monthly Saturday classes. Each session will be led by experienced, professional artists and will feature instruction in a range of mediums. Individualized instruction will be available to support learning and growth. In addition, participants will be invited to display their completed works in The Fly Art Gallery throughout the year, providing a platform for community celebration and recognition.
The Art For All program is made possible with funding from the Tennessee Arts Commission Rural Arts Project Support grant in the amount of $7,800. The grant proposal was written by The Fly's Education Coordinator Crystal O'Neal. All Art For Classes are held at The Fly Arts Center at 204 S. Main St, Shelbyville, TN 37160 in the newly renovated main level classroom, located across the hall from The Fly Art Gallery.
Below is a full list of Art For All class offerings:
Friday, September 26th | 6:30pm
Beginner Acrylic Painting
Instructor: Crystal O’Neal
Saturday, October 25th | 10:00am
Charcoal Drawing-The Basics
Instructor: Kristy Gibson
Saturday, November 1st | 10:00am
Simple Watercolors With Coffee
Instructor: Dina Davenport
Saturday, December 13th | 10:00am
Pen and Ink Drawing-The Basics
Instructor: Emily Ciecka
Saturday, January 10th | 10:00am
Beginner Paint Pouring
Instructor: London Oberleas
Saturday, January 17th | 10:00am
Color Theory With Watercolors
Instructor: Pamela Warner
Saturday, February 21st | 10:00am
Simple Colored Pencil Drawing
Instructor: Liz Alldredge
Saturday, March 14th | 10:00am
Mixed Media
Instructor: TBA
Saturday, March 21st | 10:00am
Art Journaling 101
Instructor: Santha Koonce
Saturday, April 11th | 10:00am
Beginner Oil Painting
Instructor: Katie Hestla
Saturday, May 9th | 10:00am
Beginner Gouache Painting
Instructor: TBA
Saturday, June 13th | 10:00am
Make a Beaded Suncatcher
Instructor: Courtney Young
Online registration is required at https://www.flyartscenter.com/artforall.
Class size is limited to the first 15 participant signups. All supplies provided. Participants are limited to a maximum of three Art for All class signups. These classes are designed for adult students. Recommended minimum participant age is 12. Participants under the age of 12 may require a parent/guardian present.
