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Learn the luminous craft of encaustic painting over three summer evenings in Midland with award-winning artist Kristianne Tefft. Materials are included and class size is limited to 12—perfect for curious beginners who want hands-on instruction and a finished piece to take home.
Learn the luminous craft of encaustic painting over three summer evenings in Midland with award-winning artist Kristianne Tefft. Materials are included and class size is limited to 12—perfect for curious beginners who want hands-on instruction and a finished piece to take home.
Book with Creative 360
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Operated by Creative 360 · Midland, Michigan
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.
easy.
2.5 hours.
Light—mostly standing and fine-motor work; suitable for most adults comfortable with handheld tools and minor lifting.
Yes—materials are included; there is a $45 materials fee in addition to the $90 class tuition as listed.
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.
The listing does not specify a minimum age; contact the organizer for guidance if enrolling a minor.
Group size is capped at 12 participants to ensure individual attention from the instructor.
Instructors demonstrate safe tool use, provide ventilated workspace, and require following studio safety protocols for torches and heated implements.
Encaustic is an ancient practice adapted here into contemporary mixed-media approaches; Midland's supportive local arts scene has made studio classes a regular part of town culture.
Beeswax is a natural, renewable material—ask about sourcing and leftover-wax recycling; studios should use proper ventilation and dispose of pigment waste responsibly.
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