Feb 7, Mar 14, Apr 11
Spend a full day with Louise Chen at 5501 Jefferson Avenue exploring expressive brushwork—cats, crocuses, or plum blossoms. Small classes, hands-on demos, and a $30 materials option make this an ideal creative weekend in Midland.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
7 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; comfortable sitting, standing at an easel, and light lifting of materials is all you’ll need.
Wildlife
History
Instructor Louise (Ju-Yu) Chen trained under Chinese master artists in Taiwan, later earning an MA and teaching at Saginaw Valley State University; her practice brings that lineage to Midland.
Conservation
Students are encouraged to use water-soluble pigments and dispose of rinse water and paper responsibly; the studio supports low-waste art practices and recycled paper options.
Creative 360
Feb 7, Mar 14, Apr 11
Creative 360 is a community-centered arts organization based in Midland, Michigan, offering a broad calendar of performances, classes, workshops, and volunteer opportunities. Dedicated to accessible arts education, Creative 360 runs inclusive semesters such as Artshop Clay and Artshop Painting Explorations that welcome participants of all ages and abilities, including those with disabilities. Small class sizes—typically limited to eight students for specialized hands-on art sessions—ensure personalized attention and skill development.
Creative 360 presents recurring public performances including the free Sound Community Music Series held every second Wednesday, featuring classical and jazz artists like Trio Rubaton and electro-acoustic sets. The venue hosts visiting artists and special concerts such as the June performance by Michigan native Sarah Bomber. Seasonal programming includes a Summer Theatre Intensive for ages 11–17 where students audition, rehearse, and perform under a professional director, and short-term workshops like Sewing for Everyone focused on upcycling and practical skills.
Community engagement is central to Creative 360’s mission: the organization operates volunteer programs that allow community members to support events and enjoy performances, and coordinates special events such as the inaugural Holiday Art Fair during Midland’s Holiday Arts Weekend. Additional offerings like Tai Chi 360 provide wellness-focused movement classes suitable for all levels. Creative 360 partners with local artists and instructors to maintain a varied, community-rooted schedule of arts experiences in Midland.
Location
Midland, MI
Central hub for local arts
Free Concerts
Monthly
Second Wednesday music series
Inclusive Classes
Small groups
Artshop classes capped at 8
Programs Offered
10 experiences
Workshops, concerts, and more
Reserve a class, register for a performance, or sign up to volunteer and connect with Midland’s active arts scene.
Arrive early to set up
Doors open before class start time; arriving 15–20 minutes early gives you time to choose a seat, prepare materials, and warm up with quick studies.
Bring reference photos
High-resolution reference images on a phone or printouts help when working on subject-specific pieces like cats or blossoms.
Materials fee and prep
Workshops cost $145 with a $30 materials fee available on site — bring a basic sketchbook if you prefer your own paper.
Stay hydrated and snack smart
It’s a full-day workshop—pack water and portable snacks to maintain energy between demonstrations and critiques.
Brush set
A selection of cat’s tongue and round brushes helps practice both bold strokes and fine detail.
Watercolor or ink paper pad (140 lb+)
Heavy paper resists buckling during washes and allows multiple layers of pigment.
Apron or old shirt
Protect clothing from wet pigment and offer pockets for small tools.
Reference photos and sketchbook
Personal references speed composition choices and a sketchbook stores practice studies.