Paint Your Pet: Canvas Workshop with Laura Vosejpka at Creative 360 in Midland, MI

Spend an afternoon in Midland, Michigan, turning a favorite pet photo into a personal work of art at Paint Your Pet, a relaxed canvas workshop led by Creative 360's Executive Director, Laura Vosejpka. Held at Creative 360’s studio at 5501 Jefferson Ave in Midland, this three-hour session welcomes painters of all ages and experience levels. No art skills required — just email a clear photo of your dog, cat, hamster, or horse by the February 3 deadline to [email protected] and arrive ready to play with color on a 12x16 canvas. The class is practical and playful. Laura guides participants through a straightforward process that breaks portrait painting into approachable stages: blocking in shapes, simplifying fur and features, and using color to capture personality rather than photographic detail. All materials are provided, including a pre-stretched 12x16 canvas, brushes, paints, and a workspace set up for social, masked or unmasked participation depending on current policies. Families are welcome; children under ten must be accompanied by a caregiver, making this an excellent multigenerational outing. Creative 360 sits within Midland’s active arts scene, an accessible venue for community learning rather than a formal gallery lecture. The address, 5501 Jefferson Ave, is easy to find and makes the workshop a convenient stop between a morning at Dow Gardens and an afternoon exploring Alden B. Dow’s residential architecture. Because the class emphasizes observation and simplified technique over fine realism, it's ideal for beginners, pet lovers, or anyone who wants a memorable keepsake rather than a museum piece. Practical notes: plan to submit your pet photo by the stated deadline to ensure the instructor can prepare compositions. Arrive a few minutes early to claim a station and warm up. The session lasts about three hours and is priced per canvas, so couples or partners who both want to paint should budget accordingly. Expect friendly instruction, a supportive table setting, and a relaxed pace that emphasizes joy and learning. Whether you’re a visitor in Midland or a local looking for a creative afternoon, this workshop turns ordinary pet photos into colorful, approachable paintings you’ll be proud to display. It’s part craft night, part community studio experience, and a chance to practice observation, color mixing, and brushwork under the guidance of a seasoned community arts leader. Bring a smartphone or camera to photograph progress shots for before-and-after comparisons, and consider framing options in town if you plan to display the finished work. Creative 360’s community focus makes this more than a class; it’s a way to meet neighbors who also celebrate local creativity. The relaxed, workshop-style format encourages experimentation—expect to leave with a stronger eye for simplified shapes and a cheerful portrait that reflects your pet’s character.