What ages or skill levels are allowed?

The class welcomes people of all ages and abilities; it’s structured for beginners but useful to anyone wanting focused handbuilding practice.

Are materials included?

Yes—clay and other required materials are provided as part of the session fee.

What happens if Midland Public Schools close for weather?

If Midland Public Schools are closed for the day due to weather, Artshop classes are canceled that day as well.

Can students using Community Living Support (CLS) attend?

Yes; students with Medicaid may be able to use CLS funds but must preregister and attend regularly, or they may be billed for missed sessions.

How do I collect my finished pieces?

Work is typically dried, glazed, and fired after class; you’ll be notified for pickup or advised on shipping options if you can’t return.

Is the studio accessible?

The program emphasizes inclusion for varying abilities, but specific accessibility features are not listed—contact organizers to confirm individual needs.

Artshop Clay Handbuilding: Hands-On Pottery Classes in Midland (Aug 2026) | Workshop

Artshop Clay Handbuilding: Spring/Summer 2026 Session 2 at 5501 Jefferson Ave in Midland, Michigan offers a focused, four-week pottery class led by Karen Mendes. Over four Tuesday afternoons in August, this intimate session teaches beginner-friendly handbuilding techniques for making functional and decorative ceramics. The room is practical rather than precious, a working studio where clay, tools, and drying shelves take center stage. For visitors in Midland looking for a hands-on diversion from riverside trails and local gardens, this class is an accessible creative pitstop that teaches a skill you can carry home.

The session runs 1:00 - 2:30 PM on August 4, 11, 18, and 25, with clay and materials provided. Enrollment limits enrollment to eight students, which means plenty of one-on-one attention from the instructor. Beginners will learn handbuilding staples such as pinching, coiling, and slab construction, plus tips for trimming, finishing, and surface texture. Work is typically dried, glazed, and fired after class, so plan for a short post-class pickup or shipping arrangement if you can’t return to collect pieces.

The program highlights inclusion: it welcomes people of all ages and abilities, and students using Community Living Support funds should preregister and commit to regular attendance because missed classes may be billed. If Midland Public Schools cancel for weather, Artshop classes are canceled the same day, so keep an eye on local notices. The meeting address is 5501 Jefferson Ave, a straightforward block location inside town, easy to find by car with basic street parking.

Why this class stands out locally is the combination of small group scale, inclusive access, and a short time commitment that still produces finished work. Midland itself offers nearby options for a full day: riverside walks along the Tittabawassee, visits to Dow Gardens, or a quiet stop at the Chippewa Nature Center after class. For makers, the appeal is immediate: you leave with technique, a few freshly formed pieces, and a clearer sense of how to work clay again.

Practical notes: arrive in clothes you don’t mind getting clay on, expect to stand and sit intermittently, and allow time after class to label and store greenware. The vibe is encouraging and unedited; people come to learn, make, and sometimes repeat sessions to deepen a new hobby. If you want a short, practical, creative escape in Midland, Artshop’s handbuilding session is a clear choice. As a community resource, the class connects creative practice to local culture, offering accessible arts education in a town known for garden spaces and rivers. The modest studio hums with practical learning, and making here feels like joining a steady, low-key local tradition that rewards curiosity and hands-on attention. Bring an open mind, steady hands, and plan to return soon