Institute for Visual Arts

Institute for Visual Arts offers Primary Art, Elementary Art, Intermediate Art, Secondary Art, Tertiary Art, Portfolio Prep, Session Classes, and Summer Program. The core program is a year-long course sequence with 36 weeks in three 12-week trimesters, and the summer program includes week-long camps for children, week-long intensives for teens, and one-night workshops for adults and teens.

Programs

• Primary Art — 5-8 · Thursdays 3-4pm; Saturdays 9-10am
• Elementary Art — 8-11 · Tuesdays 4-5:30pm; Wednesdays 3-4:30pm; Saturdays 10-11:30am
• Intermediate Art — 11-14 · Mondays 4:30-6pm; Wednesdays 4:30-6pm; Saturdays 11:30am-1pm
• Secondary Art — 14-18 · Mondays 4:30-6pm; Wednesdays 4:30-6pm; Thursdays 5:30-7pm; Saturdays 11:30am-1pm
• Tertiary Art — 18+ · Wednesdays 12:30-2pm; Thursdays 7-10pm (meets biweekly)
• Portfolio Prep — 12+ · Saturdays 11:30am-1pm
• Session Classes — Adults and teens of all levels · Sporadically offered throughout the year
• Summer Program — Children, teens and adults · June-August

At a glance

• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Current session: Academic Year 2026-2027 (Aug 17–Jun 5, 2027)
• General schedule: Core Program: year-long courses for K-12 & adult students; 36 weeks in three 12-week trimesters. Summer program: week-long camps for children, week-long intensives for teens, and one-night workshops for adults and teens.

About the provider

Institute for Visual Arts was founded in 2011. It is led by Shannon Rae Fincke, the founder and director, and the IVA team includes Natasha Kassyutina, Raea Lee, Lisa Carter, Sophia Gross, Sabina Annis, Sophie Wallace, Delilah Lee, Harper Cline, Todd DePauw, Skyler Lee, and adjunct faculty Molly Segal, Casey Baden, and Leslie Lanxinger. Shannon Rae Fincke has 30 years of art program leadership, curriculum development, and teaching experience, and holds PreK-Adult Art teaching credentials in New York and California.

Core Program enrollment is ongoing/long-term. New students may apply throughout summer 2026 to join classes with openings. Tuition is non-refundable. Missed classes are not credited; Core Program students are accommodated with, and expected to attend, make-up classes. Payment plans may be arranged upon request. Students enrolling mid-year may be eligible for prorated tuition. One-month written notice is required to withdraw.

What families say

“This ain't your "happy little trees" art instruction! Quite simply, Institute for Visual Arts is the most dynamic program of art instruction in Los Angeles.” — Brian O’Hare, IVA Parent Since 2011 & Student Since 2014

“IVA offers a great technical foundation for all levels, but what we love most is the nurturing and supportive atmosphere that Shannon has cultivated.” — Heidi Ford, IVA Parent Since 2011 & Student Since 2014

“My family has been taking classes at Institute for Visual Arts for over a decade.” — Lisa Carter, IVA Parent Since 2013

Last updated September 21, 2026.