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Spend a full day with Louise Chen at 5501 Jefferson Avenue exploring expressive brushwork—cats, crocuses, or plum blossoms. Small classes, hands-on demos, and a $30 materials option make this an ideal creative weekend in Midland.
Spend a full day with Louise Chen at 5501 Jefferson Avenue exploring expressive brushwork—cats, crocuses, or plum blossoms. Small classes, hands-on demos, and a $30 materials option make this an ideal creative weekend in Midland.
Book with Creative 360
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Operated by Creative 360 · Midland, Michigan
Midland, Michigan sits on the banks of the Tittabawassee River, and at 5501 Jefferson Avenue you’ll find a bright community studio hosting Louise Chen’s full-day brush painting workshops. These sessions—CATS, CROCUSES, and PLUM BLOSSOMS—teach spontaneous cat brushwork, luminous washes, and classical plum-blossom composition in a supportive classroom setting. Each workshop runs 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and includes step-by-step demonstrations, individualized feedback, and the chance to finish pieces to take home.
The room fills with the steady scratch of brushes and the shimmer of wet pigment as participants learn to translate gesture into textured fur, to build depth with layered washes, and to construct elegant floral arrangements with economical strokes. Louise Chen brings decades of traditional training from Taiwan alongside an academic practice in the United States; her combination of disciplined technique and expressive freedom helps artists of all levels push beyond copying into creative interpretation.
What makes these workshops special is the focus on brush economy—using deliberate marks to suggest form—paired with generous, hands-on instruction tailored to the student. Small class sizes let Chen offer direct corrections, demonstrate variations live, and help students select compositions that suit their skill and vision. Materials are available for an additional fee, so travelers can arrive ready to paint without hauling a heavy kit.
The workshop is also a quietly excellent way to connect with Midland’s broader art scene. The studio’s address places it convenient to Dow Gardens, Alden B. Dow Home and Studio, and local galleries, so you can pair a day in the studio with outdoor walks or architecture tours. Expect to see regional flora and the occasional red-tailed hawk from the studio window; the area’s seasonality affects natural light, so each date reveals different color temperatures for painting.
Workshops are priced at $145 per day with a $30 materials fee; sessions run on selected Saturdays and require participants to be at least 12 years old. The meeting point is 5501 Jefferson Avenue, Midland, MI 48640, where the studio opens by 9:00 a.m. for setup and parking is available nearby. Bring sketchbook and reference photos, and consider a towel for hands and a sealed container for wet works to transport. For travelers, Midland offers downtown lodging and diners within a short drive, making it easy to turn a workshop into an overnight creative weekend focused on practice and local arts exploration.
Practical notes: arrive early to settle in and warm up; bring photo references if you want subject-specific guidance; and plan for a full-day rhythm—short breaks punctuate long, focused demonstrations. Whether you’re a curious beginner or an experienced painter seeking refinement, Louise Chen’s workshops offer disciplined technique, cultural depth, and visible progress in a single, rewarding day of practice.
No—workshops are designed for all levels; instructors provide step-by-step demos and individualized guidance.
A $30 materials fee covers communal paper, select pigments, and shared studio supplies; bring personal tools if you prefer.
Participants must be at least 12 years old for these full-day sessions.
The meeting point is 5501 Jefferson Avenue, Midland, MI 48640; check the booking link for exact arrival windows.
Parking is available nearby; if you need special accessibility accommodations contact the organizer before booking.
Refer to the booking page linked for cancellation policies and contact details; the FareHarbor listing handles reservations and changes.
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