Do I need prior experience to join?

No—this class is designed for beginners and intermediate makers; instruction starts with basic handbuilding techniques.

Are materials included in the fee?

Yes—clay and basic glazes and materials are provided as part of the session fee.

What happens if school is closed for snow?

Artshop follows Midland Public Schools; if the district closes for weather, classes are canceled that day.

Can students using Medicaid CLS attend?

Yes—students may apply part of their Community Living Support budget; consistent attendance is expected when using CLS funds.

How long until I get my fired pieces?

Glaze firing typically takes place after the session ends; allow several days to a week depending on kiln schedules.

Hands-On Handbuilding: Inclusive Pottery Classes in Midland, MI | Workshop

At the heart of Midland, Michigan, Artshop Clay Handbuilding: Winter 2026 Session 1 takes place at 5501 Jefferson Ave and offers a focused, tactile escape for makers of all abilities. This seven-week course meets Tuesdays from 1:00–2:30 PM under the instruction of Karen Mendes and teaches the basics of building both functional and decorative pottery. Enrollment is capped at eight students to ensure hands-on guidance; clay, tools, and glazes are supplied so students can begin forming pieces from session one.

The studio reads as a working ceramics classroom: sturdy work tables for handbuilding, drying shelves, a glaze station, and a kiln that marks the rhythm of the class calendar. The curriculum centers on pinch, coil, and slab techniques, taking learners from wet clay to bisque-fired work while emphasizing safe, lead-free glazing. Because the program is designed to be inclusive, adaptations for students with disabilities are woven into instruction, and learners who utilize Medicaid Community Living Support (CLS) budgets can apply that funding—consistent attendance is expected of CLS participants because of material and firing costs.

What distinguishes this session is small-group intensity paired with community connection. With individualized feedback built into every meeting, students get targeted adjustments to proportion, surface, and construction that accelerate progress. Finished pieces often move beyond the studio shelf to local displays and craft events, giving makers a clear path from classroom technique to public showing. Practical logistics are straightforward: preregistration is required, cost per session is $140, and weather-related cancellations follow Midland Public Schools closures. The meeting point is 5501 Jefferson Ave; local parking and curb access are typically available.

This program suits beginners seeking structured introduction and intermediate makers wanting focused practice without the pressure of advanced wheel work. The instructor’s patient approach and the small cohort size make it easy for caregivers and families to participate together. Beyond technique, students are encouraged to experiment with surface treatments—stains, slips, and lead-free glazes—learning how firing temperatures affect color and texture. The studio promotes sustainable practices: scrap clay is reclaimed for grog or recycling when possible, and students receive instructions on proper glaze disposal. Accessibility features vary; contact the program ahead of time to discuss accommodations. Space is limited—preregister early to secure one of eight spots and come ready to get your hands messy.