Spring Cold Wax Workshop at Creative 360 in Midland — Cold Wax Painting with Kristianne Tefft

Spring Cold Wax Workshop at Creative 360 in Midland, Michigan brings a tactile, experimental studio class to artists and novices alike. Held at Creative 360 (5501 Jefferson Ave, Midland, MI), this two-class series runs Mondays, April 27 and May 4, 6:00–8:00 pm, taught by award-winning encaustic artist Kristianne Tefft. At its heart the workshop explores cold wax— a paste-like medium mixed with oil paint that builds luminous, painterly surfaces and durable texture. Participants work through mark-making, layering, and scraping techniques to coax depth and light from each panel. The Creative 360 studio is a hands-on space designed for painting and mixed-media. In this workshop Kristianne will guide students through material handling, safe use of tools, and compositional choices while demonstrating the handling properties unique to cold wax. Classes are appropriate for ages 16 and up and welcome absolute beginners as well as experienced painters looking to expand their process. All materials are included for the $60 tuition plus a $20 materials fee, so you can arrive ready to work without a shopping list. Why book this here? Midland’s Creative 360 operates as one of the region’s accessible arts hubs, offering short-format classes that connect local makers and visiting creatives. The cold wax method rewards patient layering rather than quick fixes—an approach that mirrors the steady, industrious character many visitors find in this part of Michigan. For travelers pairing art with a mid-Michigan itinerary, the studio’s address at 5501 Jefferson Ave makes it an easy stop from town hotels and the nearby riverfront. What makes the experience unique: Kristianne Tefft’s award-winning encaustic background brings professional-grade instruction to a low-pressure setting. The two-evening structure allows techniques introduced in the first session to be revisited and refined in the second, so work evolves instead of ending as a single-demo keepsake. The class emphasizes experimentation—scraping, lifting, and marrying color and texture—so each participant leaves with completed panels and a clear path forward. Practical notes: sessions run two hours each evening, age limit 16+, and materials are provided for mixed-media cold wax practice. Bring a willingness to get hands-on and a few ideas for color or composition; the studio supplies the rest. Whether you’re traveling through Midland for a weekend or live locally, this workshop is a compact creative investment that yields technique, confidence, and finished artwork. Sessions include a brief demonstration followed by studio time, with instructors circulating to troubleshoot surfaces, adhesives, and layering strategies. Expect finger marks, palette knives, and solvent-safe ventilation; the studio encourages disposal of rags and waste. Finished panels dry to a durable matte sheen; bring a flat bag or rigid portfolio to transport wet work. The two-class format makes for measurable progress and a souvenir from Midland’s creative scene.