Join a five-week afternoon art series in Midland led by Cynthia Keefe, MFA. Choose drawing or acrylic painting, work in a small class of 12, and leave with real skills and finished studies.
Join a five-week afternoon art series in Midland led by Cynthia Keefe, MFA. Choose drawing or acrylic painting, work in a small class of 12, and leave with real skills and finished studies.
Book with Creative 360
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Creative 360 · Midland, Michigan
Drawing & Painting w Cyd Keefe - Spring 2026 Session arrives at 5501 Jefferson Ave in Midland, Michigan as a five-week, weekday-afternoon art series designed for anyone who wants to learn or sharpen studio skills. On Wednesdays, May 6, 13, 20, 27 and June 3, Cynthia Keefe, MFA and Creative 360 co-founder, leads two-hour sessions from 1:00-3:00 pm for a small cohort of up to 12 students. The $100 series gives students the option to focus on observational drawing fundamentals or on acrylic painting techniques, with a materials list provided upon registration and ages 16 and up welcome.
If you choose drawing, expect focused practice in perspective, proportion, composition and shading. For acrylic painters, instruction covers color mixing, building composition and using mediums to expand texture and drying times. The structure is flexible: choose one medium to pursue across the series or split time between both. Cyd's approach balances technical fundamentals with project-driven work, so beginners leave with core skills while experienced makers find specific challenges to push their practice.
What sets this session apart is the combination of small class size, individualized feedback and a community arts setting rooted in Midland. The meeting point is 5501 Jefferson Ave; instructors work closely with each student to tailor projects to their goals. With a cap at twelve participants, the pace is hands-on rather than lecture-driven, which speeds learning and makes room for experimentation.
This class is a practical choice for travelers who want a half-day creative detour. Midland's arts scene and nearby outdoor draws - like Dow Gardens and the Chippewa Nature Center - make it easy to pair an afternoon of making with a morning walk or a sunset visit to the riverfront. Visitors will appreciate the welcoming rhythm: arrive, set up, follow a focused two-hour plan and leave with finished studies and clear next steps.
Practical details: preregistration is required, materials lists are supplied upon booking, and the series fee is $100. Bring curiosity more than expensive supplies; expect to practice observation, learn materials functions and complete at least one small project. Whether you're restarting an art habit or testing acrylics for the first time, this session is an accessible, skill-forward way to make and learn in Midland.
Plan to arrive ten to fifteen minutes early to set up your workspace and settle into the flow; instructors begin promptly at 1:00 pm. Each session includes live demonstrations, one-on-one critique and time to develop a personal piece you can finish or continue after the series. Students often leave with several studies or a small panel suitable for framing. This series is compact, focused and built for measurable progress - perfect for visitors wanting a meaningful, teachable creative break during a Michigan spring and into summer.
easy.
2 hours.
Minimal physical exertion; mostly seated and standing at an easel, suitable for most fitness levels
No—this series is structured for beginners and intermediate students; instruction is tailored to each participant's skill level.
Meet at 5501 Jefferson Ave in Midland; details and room information are provided after registration.
The fee covers five two-hour instructional sessions; students are responsible for their own materials unless otherwise noted in the materials list.
Participants must be 16 years or older to enroll in this series.
Each series is limited to 12 participants to ensure personalized instruction.
Yes, preregistration is required and materials lists are sent upon booking.
The series is taught by Cynthia Keefe, MFA, Creative 360 co-founder, reflecting the organization's role in Midland's local arts programming.
Practice low-waste studio habits: reuse canvases and responsibly dispose of paint solvents; support local arts organizations that emphasize sustainable materials.
Creative 360 is a community-centered arts organization based in Midland, Michigan, offering a broad calendar of performances, classes, workshops, and volunteer opportunities. Dedicated to accessible arts education, Creative 360 runs inclusive semesters such as Artshop Clay and Artshop Painting Explorations that welcome participants of all ages and abilities, including those with disabilities. Small class sizes—typically limited to eight students for specialized hands-on art sessions—ensure personalized attention and skill development. Creative 360 presents recurring public performances including the free Sound Community Music Series held every second Wednesday, featuring classical and jazz artists like Trio Rubaton and electro-acoustic sets. The venue hosts visiting artists and special concerts such as the June performance by Michigan native Sarah Bomber. Seasonal programming includes a Summer Theatre Intensive for ages 11–17 where students audition, rehearse, and perform under a professional director, and short-term workshops like Sewing for Everyone focused on upcycling and practical skills. Community engagement is central to Creative 360’s mission: the organization operates volunteer programs that allow community members to support events and enjoy performances, and coordinates special events such as the inaugural Holiday Art Fair during Midland’s Holiday Arts Weekend. Additional offerings like Tai Chi 360 provide wellness-focused movement classes suitable for all levels. Creative 360 partners with local artists and instructors to maintain a varied, community-rooted schedule of arts experiences in Midland.
Book with Creative 360