Policies and Helpful Information

Classroom Climate

To foster a creative and stimulating classroom environment at Visual Art Institute, certain procedures are expected of our participants. Please help us to create an atmosphere conducive to the artistic learning process by adhering to the following guidelines:

  • Punctuality: Please show up to class on time to avoid disrupting the class.

  • Respect: Show respect to classmates & your instructor, take care of materials and classroom space, and use appropriate language. Please keep speaking volume to a minimum to avoid distracting other students. 

  • Listening: During instruction and demonstrations, please listen and avoid distractions (phone calls, conversations, etc).

Tuition Payment and Multi-Class Discount

Tuition is due on the first day of class and is preferably paid online.

For tuition payment installment plans, tuition is due on the first of each month, and the monthly payment will be 1/3 of the total tuition. 

When you register for more than one class, you can receive a discount of up to 10% per class! You must call and register through the front office for this discount. This applies to the current term only. 

Tuition may also be paid at the VAI office by cash, check, or credit card.

Drop-ins & Flex Passes

Parking Instructions

Some classes are available for Drop-ins and Flex Passes. Drawing, painting, digital art, and watercolor classes are generally open for drop-ins. Ceramics, stained glass, cosplay, and printmaking do not allow drop-ins, as projects take multiple weeks to complete. Please check each class’s description to see if it allows drop-ins.

Our class curricula are designed around a student attending each scheduled class. For this reason, we strongly encourage students to register for the full class, rather than sign up for drop-ins. However, we recognize that participants may not always be able to commit to weekly class attendance. To ensure proper preparation and staffing, all modified schedules must be arranged in advance. Students are required to provide a clear attendance schedule, and tuition will be prorated accordingly based on the approved schedule.

Students can register online for specific dates or purchase a Flex Pass. Flex Passes expire after 1 year. Everyone is responsible for bringing their supplies for the class.

If you would prefer to sign up for a trial class (at the current drop-in rate), single drop-ins are available on a limited basis and must also be scheduled in advance with the front office.

Salt Lake Location: Please park on the NORTH side of the building and enter up the ramp to the front office. It is the really colorful side of the building.

Utah County Highland Location: Search for directions to "Highland Community Center" for the easiest directions.

Missed Classes

Missed classes are not made up or reimbursed. 
We understand that vacations may interfere with normal class scheduling. Please notify the office prior to or on the first day of class so tuition can be adjusted accordingly.

Cancelled Classes

Visual Art Institute reserves the right to cancel a class at any time. If possible, prior notice will be given. If a class is cancelled, students may enroll in another class of the same value, or a refund may be given. If possible, a make-up class will be offered to compensate for lost class time.

Refunds and Transfers

We are only able to offer refunds up to 2 weeks before the start of class. We do not offer refunds, credits, or make-up classes to students who miss class.

We may be able to transfer you to a different class depending on space availability.

If a transfer is not possible and the class is beginning within two weeks or has already begun, the class registration can be cancelled. Cancelled registration funds will be credited to the family's account and can be applied to a registration in a future term. When you decide to use the account’s credit to fund a new registration, please call our office before registering for the new class.

Tuition Assistance Program

Visual Art Institute strives to offer everyone a chance at artistic education, regardless of socioeconomic status. We are able to offer a limited number of tuition assistance scholarships each term. You can complete an application on our website or call our office for assistance with applying. Applications are available in Spanish and English.

ADA Accessibiliy & Accomondations

Our classrooms are ADA accessible. Some courses may involve tasks or activities that may be difficult for individuals with limited strength, difficulty bending over, or difficulty sitting or standing for long periods of time. We are happy to work with students to find solutions to make their experience positive and doable. For example, wheel throwing takes arm strength and bending over the wheel. Students may work on hand-building projects instead of throwing. Please reach out to our office to discuss your needs.

Difficulty Registering?

Please call our main office for assistance! 801.474.3796 or email us at info@visualartinstitute.org