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Take two evenings to learn cold wax painting with Kristianne Tefft at Creative 360 in Midland. This hands-on workshop (Feb 9 & 16) teaches mark-making, layering, and finishing techniques—materials included.
Take two evenings to learn cold wax painting with Kristianne Tefft at Creative 360 in Midland. This hands-on workshop (Feb 9 & 16) teaches mark-making, layering, and finishing techniques—materials included.
Book with Creative 360
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Operated by Creative 360 · Midland, Michigan
On a Monday evening at Creative 360, 5501 Jefferson Ave in Midland, Michigan, an unlikely laboratory opens for painters: the Cold Wax Workshop — Playful Textures & Vibrant Colors. Led by Kristianne Tefft, an award-winning encaustic artist, this two-class series (Feb 9 & 16, 6–8 pm) transforms ordinary panels into layered, luminous abstractions using cold wax medium. Cold wax is a paste-like mix of beeswax and solvent that behaves like thick oil paint, letting you build translucent strata, carve marks, and scrape away to reveal surprises beneath the surface.
The class suits all levels: complete beginners learn how to apply, fuse, and refine texture, while experienced artists push color and composition with advanced mark-making. All materials are provided; students pay $60 plus a $20 materials fee. Small-group studio time encourages experimentation—think layering, incision, glazing, and the satisfying resistance of a palette knife working through wax. Tefft’s guidance focuses on process over perfection: she demonstrates ways to preserve luminosity, avoid muddied color, and create depth without heavy glazes.
Students should note the schedule: two Monday evenings—February 9 and 16—from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, making it easy to fit around travel. Cost is $60 for instruction plus a $20 materials charge; all tools and consumables are supplied, so pack a notebook and any reference images you want to interpret. The class is open to participants age 16 and up. Finished pieces will need cooling time and safe transport; ask staff at Creative 360 about drying racks or local framing options if you want to ship works home.
Creative 360 sits within Midland’s creative district, easy to reach whether you’re staying in town or passing through from Saginaw or Bay City. The workshop doubles as a relaxed social evening and a focused skills session: bring curiosity, a willingness to make marks, and clothing you don’t mind getting wax on. The venue provides tables, heat sources, and ventilation tuned to encaustic processes.
What makes this offering stand out in central Michigan is the marriage of local arts infrastructure and a medium that rewards tactile exploration. Cold wax isn’t commonly taught in community studios here—Tefft’s class offers insider techniques, from building luminous underlayers to using mark-making tools that create narrative in abstract fields. For visitors, it’s an opportunity to take home a finished panel rather than a photo, a tangible memento handcrafted during your trip.
Plan to arrive early to set up and ask about drying/storage options for finished pieces. Expect two hours of concentrated play each night, plus time to let works cool. Whether you’re chasing a creative souvenir, cultivating a new studio habit, or simply curious about encaustic methods, this workshop is an efficient, playful, and practical way to experience Midland’s art scene.
easy.
2 hours.
Minimal physical exertion; requires standing and light lifting of panels.
The two-class series meets Monday evenings, February 9 and February 16, from 6:00–8:00 pm.
Instruction is $60 plus a $20 materials fee; all consumables and tools are supplied.
No. The workshop is designed for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced painters.
Yes. Participants must be age 16 or older.
Meeting point is Creative 360 at 5501 Jefferson Ave, Midland, MI 48640, USA—arrive early to set up.
Finished panels need cooling time; ask studio staff about drying racks, packing tips, or local framing/shipping options before you leave.
Encaustic painting dates back to ancient Greece and Egypt; cold wax adapts those luminous, layered approaches into a contemporary, low-heat medium.
Use of reusable palettes, recycling of wax scraps, and proper ventilation reduce waste and emissions; ask instructors about non-toxic solvents and studio waste practices.
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.
Book with Creative 360