What are the dates and times for this workshop?

The two-class series meets Monday evenings, February 9 and February 16, from 6:00–8:00 pm.

How much does the workshop cost?

Instruction is $60 plus a $20 materials fee; all consumables and tools are supplied.

Do I need prior experience with encaustic or cold wax?

No. The workshop is designed for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced painters.

Is there an age requirement?

Yes. Participants must be age 16 or older.

Where do I meet the class?

Meeting point is Creative 360 at 5501 Jefferson Ave, Midland, MI 48640, USA—arrive early to set up.

How do I transport finished pieces?

Finished panels need cooling time; ask studio staff about drying racks, packing tips, or local framing/shipping options before you leave.

Cold Wax Workshop in Midland: Playful Textures & Vibrant Colors | Workshop | Winter Activities

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.