Do I need prior pottery experience?

No. This hand-building course is designed for beginners and returning students; instruction is step-by-step and paced for all levels.

Are materials and firing included?

Yes. Clay and basic materials are provided; the studio fires finished pieces as part of the session.

Can I use Community Living Support funds?

Students with Medicaid may be able to apply part of their CLS budget; consistent attendance is expected for funded slots.

What happens if there is bad weather?

If Midland Public Schools close for weather, Artshop cancels classes that day. Check local announcements before travel.

How soon can I pick up finished pieces?

Pieces require drying and firing; the studio will notify you when your work is ready for pickup after firing.

Is this a wheel-throwing class?

No. This session focuses on hand-building techniques like pinching, coiling, and slab construction rather than wheel throwing.

Midland Artshop Clay Hand Building Class — Fall 2026 with Allise Noble

Artshop Clay Hand Building: Fall 2026 Session II at 5501 Jefferson Ave in Midland, Michigan, is a focused, inclusive pottery course led by Allise Noble. Running Tuesdays from October 27 through December 15 (no class 11/24), the program meets for 1.5 hours, 1:00–2:30 PM, in an intimate studio limited to eight students. Clay and all basic materials are provided; the session carries a $140 fee and requires preregistration. This hands-on class focuses on hand-building techniques such as pinching, coiling, and slab construction, guiding students through forming, joining, surface texture, and simple finishing methods. Instruction balances step-by-step demonstrations with generous studio time so beginners and returning makers can learn at their own pace. The Artshop offers an accessible learning environment and provides accommodations for participants with disabilities; students who use Community Living Support (CLS) through Medicaid may apply part of their budget to this program, and consistent attendance is expected for funded slots. Note that if Midland Public Schools close for weather, Artshop classes are canceled for the day, so check schedules before travel. What makes this series a standout in Midland’s cultural calendar is its small group format, hands-on focus, and role as a community hub. For travelers who come for outdoor pursuits —paddling, biking, or winter trails—this class provides a restful, creative indoor option that still connects you with local craft traditions. Expect a mix of hands-on building, timed drying, and later glazing stages; finished pieces will be fired by the studio and made available for pickup after firing. With Allise Noble’s guidance, students receive individualized feedback, design suggestions, and basic troubleshooting for common hand-building challenges. Small enrollment means more one-on-one instruction than at larger community classes. The session suits adults of varied abilities, visiting creatives, and locals seeking a deliberate, skill-focused afternoon activity. Bring comfortable clothing, a towel, and an open attitude; be prepared to get your hands pleasantly dirty. Register early —limited seats sell fast —and take home a handmade reminder of Midland’s creative scene. The Artshop’s approach emphasizes process over perfection, encouraging experimentation with texture, form, and simple surface marks. Students often leave with both finished items and practical techniques they can repeat at home. While this is not a wheel-throwing course, the hand-building skills taught here form a strong foundation for future ceramics pursuits. For visitors piecing together a multi-day itinerary, an afternoon at Artshop pairs well with a walk around nearby neighborhoods or a coffee stop in downtown Midland. The class doubles as a social outlet and a slow, creative counterpoint to outdoor adventures, leaving you with skills, stories, and objects that outlast a single visit. Sign up early, respect studio guidelines, and expect a practical, hands-on class that rewards patience and curiosity daily.