Do I need prior experience?

No—this handbuilding class is designed for beginners and returns; the instructor teaches foundational techniques.

Is the class accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes—Artshop emphasizes inclusivity and adapts exercises; students with Medicaid may use CLS funds toward participation.

What is included in the fee?

The $125 session fee covers clay and materials used in class; glazing and firing are handled as part of the course.

Where and when do we meet?

Meet at 5501 Jefferson Ave in Midland for sessions on Tuesdays, May 5, 12, 19, 26, June 2, 9 from 1:00–2:30 PM.

What happens if school is closed for weather?

If Midland Public Schools close, Artshop cancels classes that day—check local closures before traveling.

How many students are in the class?

Class size is limited to eight students to ensure individualized instruction and safety around studio equipment.

Hands-On Clay: Artshop Handbuilding Session in Midland, MI — Spring/Summer 2026 | Workshop | Guided Tour

On an ordinary Tuesday afternoon in Midland, Michigan, the Artshop studio at 5501 Jefferson Ave hums with focused conversation and the soft scratch of wet clay. Artshop Clay Handbuilding: Spring/Summer 2026 Session 1 is a six-week, instructor-led course designed for makers of all abilities. Led by Karen Mendes, this class guides up to eight students through handbuilding techniques—pinch, coil, and slab—over six sessions (Tuesdays, May 5, 12, 19, 26, June 2, 9) from 1:00 to 2:30 PM. The $125 fee covers clay and materials. What makes this program stand out in Midland’s arts scene is its emphasis on accessibility and steady skill-building in a small-group studio setting. The room’s worktables, hand tools, and access to kiln-fired finishes give you a practical laboratory for functional and decorative pottery. Instructors adapt exercises to fit a broad range of abilities; students who use Community Living Support (CLS) funds through Medicaid are encouraged to enroll and may use part of their CLS budget, though regular attendance is required for those students to avoid possible billing for missed sessions. The class is centered on handbuilding rather than wheel-throwing, so newcomers and those with mobility differences can produce objects with intention and control. Expect demonstrations, hands-on practice, time to refine forms, and drying and firing instructions—everything you need to complete usable pieces by session end. With a tight group size, individualized feedback is a fixture: you’ll leave not just with finished items but with techniques you can repeat at home. Practicalities are straightforward: meet at 5501 Jefferson Ave in Midland, and note that classes cancel when Midland Public Schools close for weather. Bring comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting a little clay on; clay and tools are provided. The studio contributes to Midland’s creative ecosystem by offering arts education that reaches beyond hobbyists—this is a municipal program that supports community inclusion and local cultural life. Beyond the studio, Midland rewards a slower pace: stroll the nearby Riverwalk or visit the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio for architecture after class. Whether you aim to craft a simple set of mugs, a bowl with a deliberate texture, or a small sculptural piece, Artshop’s handbuilding session is a compact, practical immersion in clay that demystifies ceramic processes and makes craftsmanship approachable for anyone visiting or living in Midland. Students learn finishing techniques—sanding, burnishing, and basic glazing approaches—and the instructor covers safe kiln handling and labeling for pickup. Beginners appreciate the patient pace; returning students get projects that build on prior work. The workshop also acts as a social space where makers exchange ideas and local references, strengthening Midland’s arts network. Pre-registration is required due to the eight-student limit, so plan to reserve your spot early. Bring a snack.