Cold Wax Painting Workshop in Midland, Michigan — Hands-On Encaustic Evenings

Cold Wax Painting at 5501 Jefferson Ave in Midland, Michigan, invites makers into a tactile evening workshop where paint becomes pliable, luminous, and sculptural. In a two-night session held Mondays, Nov 2 and Nov 9 from 6:00–8:00 pm, award‑winning artist Kristianne Tefft guides students through the unique properties of cold wax—an encaustic-adjacent medium with a soft, paste-like consistency that builds translucent layers and bold texture. The class structure balances demonstration and open studio time so every participant can experiment with layering, scraping, and mark-making while learning practical techniques for creating depth and luminosity. The studio supplies include cold wax medium, a range of oil pigments, palette knives, and heavyweight paper or panel; materials are included for the $60 tuition with a $20 materials fee. Class sizes are intentionally small (max 12) to ensure hands-on attention, and the open-studio format welcomes returning students alongside beginners. This is an accessible creative primer: no previous encaustic experience is required, and the session is open to anyone aged 16 and up. Why book this when you visit Midland? Beyond technique, Cold Wax Painting provides a concentrated creative break from outdoor pursuits on Michigan’s Saginaw River and surrounding trails. The method encourages observation of material behavior—how light reads through wax layers and how tools reveal subsurface colors—offering a hands-on way to translate place and memory into abstract surface landscapes. Participants often leave with small finished pieces and a set of skills to continue work at home. The workshop also doubles as a window into Midland’s creative culture; local makers and small-gallery initiatives have supported experimental classes like this one, making it a good entry point for visitors seeking arts-focused experiences. Practical notes: arrive 10–15 minutes early to settle in, wear clothes that tolerate wax and oil, and be prepared to work in layers—cold wax is forgiving but drying times vary. If you’re traveling light, the class provides all basic tools and surfaces. Who should take it: curious beginners wanting a new medium, painters interested in texture and conservation-minded makers who favor archival approaches, and travelers seeking a compact indoor experience between hikes or river outings. The evening schedule and small group size make Cold Wax Painting easy to slot into a weekend trip or a business visit. Whether you want to learn techniques to expand your studio practice or simply spend two communal hours making tactile marks, this workshop delivers hands-on instruction, immediate takeaways, and a clear path to keep creating after you leave Midland. Register through the provided booking link to reserve a spot in the 12-person class; materials and focused instruction make this a high-value creative stop in Midland’s calendar of small-group arts events. Bring a notebook, a camera, and an open mind.