THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Try your hand at mixed media and communal making in Midland this fall. Artshop Crafts & Community offers a six-week, all-abilities session with materials included and small class sizes—perfect for visitors or locals seeking a relaxed, guided creative experience.
Try your hand at mixed media and communal making in Midland this fall. Artshop Crafts & Community offers a six-week, all-abilities session with materials included and small class sizes—perfect for visitors or locals seeking a relaxed, guided creative experience.
Book with Creative 360
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Creative 360 · Midland, Michigan
At 5501 Jefferson Ave in Midland, Michigan, Artshop Crafts & Community offers a hands-on arts class that pairs practical instruction with the kind of convivial energy that turns a simple project into a shared accomplishment. Running Thursdays from Sept. 10 through Oct. 22 (11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.), this Fall 2026 Session I is a six-week program led by instructor Em Thomas, designed for students of all ages and abilities. Materials are included, class size is limited to 12, and the pace is deliberately approachable—perfect whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or returning to familiar crafts. The room itself is plain but purposeful: long work tables, washable floors, a supply-rich center table and bright northern light that flatters color and texture. Key features of the experience are the guided project sequence, accessible instruction, and community-focused structure that lets participants customize projects while following a common lesson plan. The program is explicit about inclusion—students with disabilities are welcome, and some Medicaid Community Living Support funds may apply—making this a distinctive public arts offering in Midland’s broader cultural landscape. Visitors will find practical benefits here: materials provided remove friction, a small group means more individualized feedback, and a 1.5-hour format balances focused learning with relaxed social time. Em Thomas emphasizes skill-building—basic hand tools, mixed media techniques, and composition principles—so you leave with both finished pieces and transferable techniques. If Midland Public Schools close for weather, classes cancel too, so check local closures before you travel. Why this class matters locally: Midland supports a lively arts ecosystem that includes Dow Gardens and the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio, and Artshop’s accessible approach plugs directly into community arts education rather than boutique craft retail—this is public programming that strengthens creative access across the city. For travelers, the course is a calm indoor option on a rainy afternoon or a seasonal complement to outdoor exploration in the region. Practical notes: preregistering is required; group size limits space; bring curiosity rather than tools. Whether you’re a visitor staying in Midland for a weekend or a nearby resident looking for a creative routine, this class delivers solid instruction, materials, and a friendly cohort. It’s an efficient, welcoming way to try new media, meet locals, and walk away with something you made. Classes meet at the facility’s listed meeting point, 5501 Jefferson Ave, easily reached from downtown Midland and nearby hotels. Expect a mix of instruction and open studio time, with instructors adapting projects to suit mobility and sensory needs when requested. The six-week rhythm helps artists build confidence gradually while keeping projects compact enough to finish in class. Questions about accessibility, Medicaid funding, or enrollment can be answered by preregistering through program’s booking page.
No. The class welcomes all skill levels and is structured so beginners can follow along while more experienced makers can expand techniques.
Yes. Materials for the planned projects are provided as part of the class fee.
Yes. The program is designed to include students of varying abilities. Ask about specific accommodations when you preregister.
Some students may be able to apply a portion of their Community Living Support budget; contact the program for eligibility details.
If Midland Public Schools are closed due to weather, Artshop classes are canceled for that day—check local notices before attending.
Preregister through the session’s booking link on the program page to secure your spot and confirm any special requirements.
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
