FAQ

What answers can we give you about our gallery, meeting and art class offerings at the Cultural Arts Center?

How do I get to the CAC?

View our map and directions page.

Where can I park?

We have a variety of parking options available around the CAC.

On-Street Parking & Meters

There are many city parking posts in the blocks surrounding our building.  They run primarily around Main Street, and require payment by mobile app or kiosk. This new kiosk system accepts credit cards and change. Please note, we cannot make change for the meters. Click here to learn more about these parking updates.

Other Parking Options

Please check with our front desk for additional parking options.

What hours are you open?

Generally, we are open:

• Monday, 1-4 p.m. & 7-10 p.m.
• Tuesday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. & 7-10 p.m.
• Friday & Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Closed Sundays

Who can take classes at the CAC?

Adults 18 years and over. You do not have to live in Columbus to participate.

What types of classes do you offer?

We offer classes in ceramics, painting, printmaking, book arts, jewelry, copper enameling, sculpture, fiber arts, drawing, bronze casting, weaving, fabric design and more. Visit our class list for classes and times.

Is the Cultural Arts Center Accessible?

Yes! We have taken care to ensure all our spaces are highly accessible, with an automatic door and elevator to all floors. We also have ramps to our side entrances.

Where do you get the funding to support your programs?

We are one of 29 recreation center facilities around Columbus, each of which is close by and has something for everyone. Since we are part of the City of Columbus Recreation & Parks Department, the city provides our building and its upkeep, studios, supplies and administrative staff. Our 501(c)3 non-profit support organization, the Friends of the Cultural Arts Center, provides support beyond that, including needed equipment and supplies for studios, openings, receptions, marketing, volunteers, bookkeeping, event organization and staffing, room rentals, and Art Shop support.

Can I rent the CAC space?

Yes. See our Rentals page for more information.

How can I apply to exhibit in the Main Gallery?

The CAC accepts exhibition proposals from local, regional and national artists. A team of CAC administrators and faculty act as the selection team and review each proposal received. We typically schedule exhibits 12 to 18 months in advance. See our Main Gallery page for more information.

Who teaches the classes?

Our faculty is composed of very talented and trained artists who have illustrious careers. We are proud that many of our faculty are major artists, educators and exhibitors. See our Faculty & Staff page for information on specific faculty members.

What times do the classes run?

Typically, our classes run 9 a.m.-noon, 1-4 p.m. and 7-10 p.m. See our class list to find times and days for specific classes.

How old is the CAC building?

The CAC building was built in 1861 and was an armory during the Civil War. The history of the facility is fascinating. For instance, our famous towers were shot towers where bullets and musket balls were made. For a detailed description of our History, please visit our About page.

How can I get a class rain check or refund?

We strive for positive experiences for all of our customers, and present a convenient means of reimbursement to students if necessary. Each rain check or refund request must include customer name, contact information, class title, and class day and time. You may submit these requests prior to your second class at the front desk of our facility, or email it to Todd Camp at tmcamp@columbus.gov.

• Rain checks are credits to your account, which never expire; you may use them the next time you register for a class. To redeem, please register at the front desk.
• You are responsible for any additional cost, should the replacement class be more expensive.
• Refunds are issued if you do not intend to take a class again. Payment will be refunded by check from the City of Columbus regardless of your payment method. It takes 4-6 weeks to receive your refund.
• You will receive a 100% refund by City of Columbus check should CAC cancel your class.
• All rain check/refund/transfer requests for studio classes must be received prior to your second class. After the second class, rain checks and refunds cannot be provided.
• Cancellations for workshops must be received 48 hours prior to the start time.

How can I help the CAC?

There are several ways to help CAC: through volunteerism and donations. There are frequent volunteer opportunities available to all students and visitors and other friends of the Center. As with all other art institutions these days, CAC needs monetary and in-kind donations and services. Visit our Support page for more information.

I’ve never taken an art class before. Can I still sign up?

Of course! The CAC fosters a creative and supportive environment for all skill levels from the beginner to the advanced. Absolute first-timers start every term. Give it a try!

How do I register for a class?

The easiest way is to sign up online, available 24 hours a day. If you don’t have an account with the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, you can create one here.

How much do classes cost?

The cost to register for a class is $60 for Columbus residents or $68 non-residents (unless otherwise noted). Your fee will cover all 7 or 8 weeks of your class term. Some class sessions may be shortened due to holidays, and these classes may be prorated. A small number of classes may have fees that differ from our regular fee amount. In this case, the fee will be noted. You may pay with credit card, check or cash.

Can I sign up by phone?

No. We do not accept phone, email or mail registrations. Sorry for any inconvenience.

What happens if I am on the waiting list?

Classes fill quickly during registration. When a class reaches its maximum number of students, you can be placed on the waiting list. If a student withdraws, we begin calling the students on the waiting list in the order we received them.

What is the difference between a class fee and a lab fee?

Your class fee pays for class instruction. Some classes also require that a lab fee for additional materials be paid on the first day of class. Pay your lab fee at the front desk.

What are your safety policies?

Safety is of primary concern in our studios. Each area has a safety policy with guidelines for using equipment, safety gear and safe practices for material use. It is the responsibility of each student to know and follow these guidelines. Because of safety concerns, we ask students to refrain from entering studios before the exact start time. Student set-up and clean-up must occur within the published three-hour class time. Students are responsible for cleaning up their work area during the last 10 minutes of class.

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