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A woman working intently on a clay pot on a pottery wheel
A man doing finishing touches with a fine brush on an intricate ceramic
A woman sitting at a desk with different paints and pencils, working on a unseen drawing
A photographer crouching down in a vibrant garden and taking a closeup photo of some flowers

Spring/Summer '25 Classes

Studio School for Adults

Our roster of professional artists bring fun, skill-developing classes for adults to begin and advance within multiple art forms including drawing, painting, photography, ceramics, jewelry, mixed-media and more.

SUMMER CLASSES ON SALE NOW!

Early Bird Special / Register by MAY 9 and SAVE! Save $10 on 6 and 12-week classes or $5 on 1-time or 3-week workshops! (Offer only valid on summer studio school classes)

 

Spring Glass & Jewelry Classes

While building our newly renovated studios at the Center, Jewelry Classes will be held at the Carriage House on 3200 Cook Rd.
SESSION 1: FRI / APR 25 / 6 – 9 PM
SESSION 2: FRI / MAY 23 / 6 – 9 PM
$55 / $45 Museum Members per session

Unlock your creativity in this 3-hour fused glass workshop, perfect for beginners or those exploring a new medium. Learn various techniques while creating beautiful glass pieces. You’ll leave with your own suncatcher, ready for pickup in 1-2 weeks. Please dress for the weather (no sandals, as there is no heating or air conditioning in the instructor’s home studio). A $30 materials fee, payable to the instructor, covers all materials, tools, and kiln firings. Instructor will reach out via email with class location.

Instructor Emmy Heger / Beginners Only

ENROLL NOW - SESSION 1
ENROLL NOW - SESSION 2

Spring Painting Workshops

SAT / MAY 10 / 10 AM – 12 PM
$55 / $45 Museum Members

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a creative twist! Join us for a charming tea party with tasty pastries and tea sandwiches while crafting a unique gift for your mother, with your mother, or for yourself. Using acrylic paint, gold leaf, and a touch of glitter, you’ll design one-of-a-kind, old-fashioned Mother’s Day cards on 5”x7” panels. Whether you’re making a special card for your mom or creating something to cherish for yourself, this workshop offers a relaxing, artistic experience to enjoy together. Perfect for a thoughtful, handmade gift!

Instructor Jill Tatroe / All Skill Levels

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WED / MAY 7 – 21 / 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
$125 / $110 Museum Members

Over the course of three weeks, we’ll explore local parks and gardens, capturing the beauty of paths, bridges, trees, foliage, and architecture bathed in Golden Light. This workshop welcomes all media, including watercolor, acrylics, oils, and more. Please bring your own easel, supplies, sunscreen, and a hat. Instructor will reach out via email with class locations. 

Nancy Philo, BFA, M Ed, is a professional artist with 45 years of experience. Her work is featured in numerous
local, national, and international collections. Nancy is excited to share her unique techniques with students at our Studio School.

Instructor Nancy Philo / Beginners & Intermediate

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Spring Photography Workshops

SAT / MAY 3 / 1 – 5 PM
SAT / MAY 17 / 1 – 5 PM

$55 / $45 Museum Members per session

Join us for a 4-hour photography workshop, exploring two beautiful garden and trail settings. Led by an expert
instructor, you’ll learn how to adjust camera settings and apply compositional techniques to capture the perfect light and scenery. At the end, the instructor will provide personalized feedback on your images. Be sure to bring your camera, spare batteries, memory cards, and a tripod (if available) to fully enjoy the experience.

Instructor Stephen Grewe / All Skill Levels

On Sale Now!

Summer 2025 Classes

Session 1: MON / JUN 2 - JUL 14, 2025 / 6 - 9 PM
Session 2: MON / JUL 21 - AUG 25, 2025 / 6 - 9 PM
$175 / $160 (Museum Members)
Location: Carriage House Hall, 3200 Cook Rd, Midland, MI 48640

This session is perfect for students with previous ceramic experience who are looking to work on self-directed projects. With guidance and support from the instructor  as needed, you’ll have the freedom to explore your own creative ideas. Bring your personal tools, apron, and a 2–2.5 quart reclaim bucket with lid. Clay is available for purchase at the Center: $50 for cone 6 clay or $60 for porcelain, which includes 25 lbs of clay, studio equipment, glazes, and firing fees. Enjoy a relaxed, supportive environment to enhance your skills!

Instructors Pam Hart, Beth Nova, Becca Watz, Mike Zureich / Beginners & Intermediate

Session 1: WED / JUN 4 - JUL 16, 2025 / 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Session 2: WED / JUL 23 - AUG 27, 2025 / 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
$175 / $160 (Museum Members)
Location: Carriage House Hall, 3200 Cook Rd, Midland, MI 48640

This session is perfect for students with previous ceramic experience who are looking to work on self-directed projects. With guidance and support from the instructor  as needed, you’ll have the freedom to explore your own creative ideas. Bring your personal tools, apron, and a 2–2.5 quart reclaim bucket with lid. Clay is available for purchase at the Center: $50 for cone 6 clay or $60 for porcelain, which includes 25 lbs of clay, studio equipment, glazes, and firing fees. Enjoy a relaxed, supportive environment to enhance your skills!

Instructors Pam Hart, Beth Nova, Becca Watz, Mike Zureich / Beginners & Intermediate

Session 1: THU / JUN 4 - JUL 17, 2025 / 6 - 9 PM
Session 2: THU / JUL 24 - AUG 28, 2025 / 6 - 9 PM
$175 / $160 (Museum Members)
Location: Carriage House Hall, 3200 Cook Rd, Midland, MI 48640

This session is perfect for students with previous ceramic experience who are looking to work on self-directed projects. With guidance and support from the instructor  as needed, you’ll have the freedom to explore your own creative ideas. Bring your personal tools, apron, and a 2–2.5 quart reclaim bucket with lid. Clay is available for purchase at the Center: $50 for cone 6 clay or $60 for porcelain, which includes 25 lbs of clay, studio equipment, glazes, and firing fees. Enjoy a relaxed, supportive environment to enhance your skills!

Instructors Pam Hart, Beth Nova, Becca Watz, Mike Zureich / Beginners & Intermediate

FRI / JUL 11, 2025 / 6 - 9 PM
$75 / $60 (Museum Members)
Location: Carriage House Hall, 3200 Cook Rd, Midland, MI 48640

Have you ever wondered what magic happens in a ceramic kiln firing? In this workshop you will get to learn a more in-depth understanding of the process of decorating ceramics. You will get the opportunity to explore different techniques and materials and learn the chemistry behind the art of ceramics with hands-on exploration of materials with our kiln technician.

Instructor Morgan Kulwicki / All Skill Levels

SAT / JUN 14, 2025 / 10 AM - 1 PM
$75 / $60 (Museum Members)
Location: Carriage House Hall, 3200 Cook Rd, Midland, MI 48640

Immerse yourself in the timeless tradition of Indigo Dyeing and craft your very own masterpieces! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the secrets of this ancient technique while creating three stunning, one-of-a-kind designs. Each participant will design and dye their own custom creations on three luxurious 22" square bandanas, leaving with unique pieces that reflect your personal style and the rich history of indigo. Students ages 13 - 17 are welcome to enroll, but must also be accompanied by a ticket holding adult throughout the workshop.

Instructor Jill Tatroe / All Skill Levels

SAT / AUG 9, 2025 / 10 AM - 1 PM
$75 / $60 (Museum Members)
Location: Carriage House Hall, 3200 Cook Rd, Midland, MI 48640

Unlock your creativity in this hands-on Block Printing Workshop! Learn the art of carving intricate patterns or unique designs onto a block and then use it to create a series of beautiful prints. Whether you’re designing your own logo, creating custom stationery headers, or crafting small prints to frame, the possibilities are endless! Join us for a fun and inspiring experience—no previous experience necessary! Students ages 13 - 17 are welcome to enroll, but must also be accompanied by a ticket holding adult throughout the workshop.

Instructor Jill Tatroe / All Skill Levels

MON / JUN 9, 2025 / 6 - 8 PM
$125 / $110 (Museum Members)
Location: Carriage House Hall, 3200 Cook Rd, Midland, MI 48640

Experience the joy of experimenting with multiple artistic mediums at once, and learn how to determine what media to use when planning your own artwork. Each week, we will complete a different small project that uses specific multimedia techniques, and we will look at work by other accomplished artists using similar materials for inspiration. This is a great class to try many different materials and techniques on a small scale with the goal of figuring out what works best for you. 

Instructor Allise Noble / Beginners

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MON / JUL 7, 2025 / 10 AM - 1 PM
$55 / $45 (Museum Members)
Location: Chippewa Nature Center

Enjoy painting outside, while you explore concepts and techniques that enable artists to capture the landscape en plein air. Value, composition and the benefits of using a limited color palette will be covered. Chippewa Nature Center will provide the inspiration for this workshop. Bring your own oil paints, brushes, easel, and any protective clothing you may need.

Instructor Jill Tatroe / All Skill Levels

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MON / JUL 14 - JUL 28, 2025 / 6 - 8 PM
$125 / $110 (Museum Members)
Location: Carriage House Hall, 3200 Cook Rd, Midland, MI 48640

Combine drawing and painting to create vibrant illustrations focused on animals as our subject. In this workshop, you will learn both drawing and sketching techniques and watercolor techniques as we practice shading, creating texture, and drawing and color matching from a reference. Over the 3 weeks, we will practice together step-by-step, and you will additionally have time to work on your own animal painting with guidance, whether it’s an exotic creature from across the globe or a beloved family pet.

Instructor Allise Noble / Beginners

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MON / AUG 4 - AUG 18, 2025 / 6 - 8 PM
$125 / $110 (Museum Members)
Location: Carriage House Hall, 3200 Cook Rd, Midland, MI 48640

Learn techniques for drawing faces from the initial sketch to adding texture and shading. Over the 3 weeks you will work together step-by-step with the instructor as well as have a chance to choose your own portrait subject to work on with guidance. We will also talk about different styles of portrait drawing, and look at work from a variety of artists specializing in portraiture.

Instructor Allise Noble / Beinngers & Intermediate

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Class & Workshop Info

  • There is a $3 processing fee per class.
  • Refunds/exchanges must be requested at least 1 week before the class or workshop start date. All refunds are subject to a 15% processing fee except for those classes canceled by the Center.
  • Class supply lists are given out on the first day of class unless listed in the description. For most classes, students are responsible for the purchase of supplies.
  • If you are unable to attend class due to illness, please contact us at education@midlandcenter.org to receive a partial voucher to be used for future classes.
  • Spring '25 Ceramics & Jewelry classes are located at the Carriage House; all others will take place off-site with directions being sent prior to the class session.
  • For Summer Classes, there will be no classes held the week of JUN 30 - JUL 4.