THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
A five-week winter drawing and acrylic series in Midland led by Cyd Keefe (Cynthia Keefe, MFA). Small cohorts, materials provided, and practical instruction make this a great way for visitors to build observational skills and creative confidence.
A five-week winter drawing and acrylic series in Midland led by Cyd Keefe (Cynthia Keefe, MFA). Small cohorts, materials provided, and practical instruction make this a great way for visitors to build observational skills and creative confidence.
Book with Creative 360
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Creative 360 · Midland, Michigan
On a crisp winter afternoon in Midland, Michigan, a classroom at 5501 Jefferson Ave becomes a different kind of trailhead: a bright studio where mark-making replaces footfall and observation sharpens into pictorial skill. Drawing w Cyd Keefe — a five-week winter series held Feb 11, 18, 25, March 4 and 11 — invites beginners and painters to two-hour sessions every Wednesday from 1:00–3:00 pm. The course splits focus between observational drawing and acrylic techniques, offering concentrated practice in perspective, proportion, composition, shading, color mixing and mediums. Materials are provided upon registration, and the cohort size is intentionally small (12 students) so instruction is hands-on and tailored. Cyd Keefe (Cynthia Keefe, MFA, Creative 360 Co-Founder) leads students through exercises that translate what you see into confident marks. For drawing, expect charcoal, graphite and measured studies devoted to line, tone and accurate proportion. For acrylic painting, the class demystifies color mixing and layering, with projects that explore transparency, texture and medium additives. No prior experience is required; the emphasis is practical: build visual literacy, learn materials' behavior and finish pieces you’re proud to photograph and share. The studio itself is part classroom, part communal workshop: easels, palette tables and a supply station that lets you experiment without committing immediately to purchases. That setup makes the series a unique local resource for visitors who want to sharpen field-sketching skills or translate outdoor scenes into studio work. Artists who hike, canoe or birdwatch in the Midland area will find the observational training especially useful for capturing fleeting light and wildlife behavior. Practical details center on accessibility and preparation. Ages 16 and up are welcome; preregistration secures a spot and a materials packet. The small group size fosters critique and one-on-one feedback, a rare draw for beginners used to larger art classes. Creative 360’s presence in Midland expands the city’s cultural offerings and gives outdoor-minded travelers a constructive indoor option during winter. Whether you’re curious about contour drawing, ready to demystify acrylics, or simply looking for a thoughtful way to spend an afternoon off the trail, this session balances instruction with creative freedom. Leave with technical foundations, a handful of finished studies and a clearer eye for the visual patterns that make landscapes and portraits sing. For travelers passing through Midland, this is a practical, low-barrier way to invest in observation skills that improve both studio work and time spent in the field. Materials lists are provided upon registration, and the instructor tailors projects to individual goals, so bring reference photos from local hikes or favorite landscape shots if you want to develop personal projects; the mix of technique drills and open work time makes the series both disciplined and generous to exploration and rewarding for beginners.
easy.
2 hours.
No special fitness required; mostly seated with light standing at an easel
No experience is necessary; the class welcomes beginners and progresses to individualized projects.
Materials are provided upon registration; a full materials list is supplied after booking.
Sessions run Wednesdays, 1:00–3:00 pm on Feb 11, 18, 25, March 4 and 11.
Group size is limited to 12 students for personalized instruction and critique.
Ages 16 and up are welcome to register.
Yes—choose a medium to focus on, or try both; the instructor tailors projects to individual goals.
Cyd Keefe is listed as Cynthia Keefe, MFA, Creative 360 Co-Founder; the instructor’s role ties this course to Creative 360’s community arts mission.
Students are encouraged to use leftover paint economically and return recyclable packaging; the studio promotes reuse of materials where possible.
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