What are the dates and times for the course?

This three-night series meets in the evenings; specific session dates are listed on the booking page—each class runs about 2.5 hours.

How much does the workshop cost?

The course fee is $90 plus a $45 materials charge that covers consumables and shared tools.

Do I need prior experience?

No prior experience is required; the class is beginner-friendly and structured to teach basic techniques safely.

What is the minimum age to participate?

Participants must be age 16 or older to enroll.

Are materials provided?

Yes, all primary materials and studio tools are provided; students often bring personal photos or extra mixed-media items if desired.

How large are class sizes?

Classes are limited to roughly 12 students to keep instruction hands-on and personal.

Encaustic Painting Workshops in Midland, MI — Hands-On Beeswax Art Classes

Encaustic Painting runs at 5501 Jefferson Ave in Midland, Michigan, offering a hands-on workshop that transforms beeswax and pigment into luminous, textured panels. Award-winning artist Kristianne Tefft leads this beginner-friendly three-night series that explores encaustic collage, photo transfers, and hot-tool finishing. Sessions meet in the evening, run 2.5 hours each, and accommodate up to 12 students with materials provided. The class fee is $90 plus a $45 materials charge. Key elements of the practice include heated beeswax, powdered pigments, oil sticks, heat guns, and palette knives to build and reveal layered surfaces. Encaustic is an ancient medium used for Fayum portraits, and in Midland the technique reads as contemporary, where photographic images layer with textural wax to catch shifting light. You will practice photo transfer methods, build mixed-media collages, and learn safe use of hot tools under instructor supervision and studio ventilation. Classes welcome adults age 16 and up and are designed so returning students can push further in open-studio segments. The small group size creates space for direct feedback and hands-on demonstrations. Practically, bring a change of clothes and closed-toe shoes; wear layers that can tolerate wax and pigment. All tools and consumables are supplied, but students often bring personal photos on matte paper to incorporate memories into transfers. Finished panels typically come home the same night, but treat warmed wax pieces gently and store flat until fully cured. The workshop makes a useful stop for visitors who spend days outdoors on The Tridge, in Dow Gardens, or along the Tittabawassee River—bring landscape studies or color swatches from the trail as material inspiration. That link to place is what makes this studio a special complement to Midland’s outdoor recreation: it converts time outdoors into a tangible, handmade object. Safety procedures cover ventilation, tool handling, and studio housekeeping so creative risk stays controlled and comfortable. Kristianne brings gallery experience and regional awards to her teaching, offering clear demonstrations and practical critique tailored to each student. Class size, materials fees, and a structured three-night syllabus make this course an efficient way to begin a new studio practice without a major time commitment. Visitors often pair a workshop evening with daytime paddling, hiking, or garden visits and return home with art that carries both location and memory. Whether you want a hands-on souvenir or to explore a tactile technique in earnest, this encaustic series in Midland offers focused instruction, supportive critique, and the tools to make work you can hang or gift. Bookable through provided referral link, the workshop requires no prior experience, welcomes ages sixteen and up, benefits from curious mindset—bring reference photos, comfortable clothes, and an appetite to experiment; finished pieces dry quickly and travel well if stored flat safely.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

2.5 hours (per session).

Fitness level

Low physical exertion required; good fine-motor control and standing for short periods are helpful.

Wildlife

White-tailed deer
Great blue heron

History

Encaustic painting is an ancient technique (notably Fayum portraiture); locally Kristianne Tefft brings contemporary gallery practice to that historic medium.

Conservation

The studio emphasizes responsible material choices and proper ventilation to minimize emissions; students are encouraged to reuse scrap materials and dispose of waste thoughtfully.

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.

Base locationMidland, Michigan

Tours offered79+

Specialtyothers

StewardshipLeave No Trace