Two evenings of hands-on cold wax painting with award-winning encaustic artist Kristianne Tefft at Creative 360 in Midland. Ideal for beginners and experienced painters, this workshop covers layering, mark-making, and safe studio practice—materials included.
Two evenings of hands-on cold wax painting with award-winning encaustic artist Kristianne Tefft at Creative 360 in Midland. Ideal for beginners and experienced painters, this workshop covers layering, mark-making, and safe studio practice—materials included.
Book with Creative 360
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Creative 360 · Midland, Michigan
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.
No. The workshop welcomes beginners and experienced painters; instruction covers basic cold wax handling and mark-making.
The $60 tuition plus $20 materials fee covers all cold wax, grounds, pigments, and basic tools used in class.
Participants must be age 16 and older to enroll in this class.
Bring reference images or color swatches if you have them; the studio provides all core materials and tools.
Bring a flat bag or rigid portfolio; finished panels dry to a durable matte surface but may still be tacky depending on layers.
Please refer to the booking/referral link for FareHarbor’s specific cancellation terms for this listing.
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