Are materials included?

Yes—materials are included; there is a $45 materials fee in addition to the $90 class tuition as listed.

Do I need prior experience?

No prior experience is necessary; the workshop is designed for beginners and those new to encaustic techniques.

Wear clothes you don't mind getting wax or pigment on; the studio provides aprons but bringing an old shirt or smock is recommended.

Is there an age limit?

The listing does not specify a minimum age; contact the organizer for guidance if enrolling a minor.

How large are class sizes?

Group size is capped at 12 participants to ensure individual attention from the instructor.

What safety precautions are taken with hot tools?

Instructors demonstrate safe tool use, provide ventilated workspace, and require following studio safety protocols for torches and heated implements.

Discover Encaustic Painting in Midland: 3-Session Summer Workshop with Kristianne Tefft | Workshop | Events

Summer Beginning Encaustic Painting in Midland, Michigan invites creative newcomers to explore heated beeswax, pigments, and mixed media over three summer evenings at 5501 Jefferson Ave. Led by award-winning artist Kristianne Tefft, this hands-on workshop distills a studio practice into approachable lessons: foundations of encaustic collage, photo transfers and mixed media, and hot-tool techniques for finishing. With materials included and small groups capped at twelve, the series balances technique and experimentation for makers at all levels. The studio sits within Midland's arts scene, providing a clean, ventilated workspace where beeswax becomes a painterly medium. Key features of the experience are the molten beeswax - warmed to a workable sheen - the range of pigments and papers, the array of hand tools and torches used to fuse layers, and the photo-transfer process that lets found imagery integrate seamlessly into encaustic surfaces. The workshops prioritize safety around heat and ventilation, and you'll learn to control texture, translucence, and collage within wax. Kristianne Tefft, whose work has been shown locally and nationally, guides each night with demos and open studio time so participants leave confident to continue at home. Beyond the three-session arc, this class is notable for its material-driven approach: beeswax is a natural product with archival qualities that accept pigment and collage in unique ways, and the tactile, layered surfaces encaustic produces are distinct from oil or acrylic painting. Midland itself has a practical arts heritage - visitors often pair classes with a walk along the nearby riverfront or a visit to local galleries - making the workshop an easy cultural stop in town. Practical details matter: the series runs on June 1, 8, and 15 from 6:00-8:30 pm, costs $90 with a $45 materials fee, and meets at 5501 Jefferson Ave. Group size is limited to 12 to keep instruction personal. Bring curiosity, a notebook, and clothes you don't mind waxing; the studio provides aprons and materials. Expect hands-on demos, individualized feedback, and concrete takeaways: at minimum, a finished encaustic panel and the skills to fuse, scrape, and manipulate wax. Why book this when visiting Midland? For travelers who want an active indoor experience that connects craft, material science, and visual storytelling, this encaustic workshop offers a concentrated, social way to make something original while learning techniques that last. It's studio time with direction - a short course that leaves you capable, inspired, and with a luminous new piece to carry home. Classes accommodate beginners and creative types seeking a tactile counterpoint to screen time; the small cohort encourages collaboration and critique. Materials included means you can travel light and still produce work worth framing. Reserve early—seating is limited to twelve—and plan to arrive a few minutes early to settle into the studio and warm up to the tools beforehand.