Fall '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.
Fall Studio School classes go on sale AUG 1 at 10 AM.
NEW SALE! / SAVE 15% WHEN YOU REGISTER FOR ANY 2 SIX-WEEK CLASSES AT THE SAME TIME!
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT / SAVE $5 ON ONE-TIME OR THREE-WEEK CLASSES. SAVE $10 ON CLASSES WITH SIX-WEEK OR MORE CLASSES. 15%
Sale runs through term, Early Bird Discount expires AUG 22. Offers cannot be combined or used on summer classes.
Summer 2025 Classes
$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
$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
On Sale AUG 1 at 10 AM!
Fall Ceramics Classes
SAT / SEP 6 - OCT 4 / 12 - 4 PM
$175 / $160 (Museum Members)
Location: Various
Join this hands-on workshop and learn all of the steps to produce beautiful raku pottery. At the Carriage House studio, Tim Ricketts will guide students through the making of hand built, thrown, or thrown and altered pieces suitable for the raku firing. Also at the Carriage House students will learn the history and process of American style raku and glaze their bisque work. The final Saturday will be held at Potter’s Farm Studios, located at the instructor’s residence, where each student will be fully involved in the unique firing process we call raku. Price of workshop includes all materials needed.
Instructor Tim Ricketts / Intermediate & Advanced Level
SAT / OCT 11 / 10 AM - 3 PM
$105 / $90 (Museum Members)
Location: Carriage Hall, 3200 Cook Rd, Midland, MI 48640
Join prominent ceramic artist and teacher Helen Hierta for a meditative art-making experience focused on creating personal totems inspired by nature and energy. The workshop begins with a group discussion and guided meditation, followed by the creation of small totem components using clay and various underglaze techniques. Helen shares how mindfulness and reflection can inform both life and art.
Based in Greenbush, MI, Helen is the founder of HARC, a local artist residency program, and leads a grant-funded studio/teaching initiative on Lake Huron supporting diversity and veterans. Helen is currently exhibiting her outdoor installation “Nature, Energy, & Reflection” at Dow Gardens for one year.
This unique session invites participants of all levels to slow down, reflect, and create with intention.
Instructor Helen Hierta / Intermediate Skills Needed
SESSION 1: MON / SEP 15 – OCT 20 / 6 - 9 PM
SESSION 2: MON / OCT 27– DEC 8 / 6 - 9 PM
$175 / $160 Museum Members, per session
Location: Carriage Hall, 3200 Cook Rd, Midland, MI 48640
Are you new to the world of pottery? Are you a potter in love with hand building? Join Pam Hart and explore the three major hand building methods: pinch pot, coil, and slab using a project-based approach. Hand building helps students to understand the properties of clay and learn skills all potters need. Every session introduces NEW projects that will allow students to explore making both functional and artistic work. Experienced potters can build on their own work with instructor support. All students are expected to purchase clay through the Center Ticket Office for $50.
Instructor Pam Hart / Beginners & Intermediate Level
TUE / SEP 16 – DEC 9 / 6 – 9 PM
$300 / $285 (Museum Members)
Location: Carriage Hall, 3200 Cook Rd, Midland, MI 48640
Now that you’ve developed your hand building ceramics skills, you may ask yourself, what’s next? Beginner Wheel is for you! Mike Zureich will leverage your hand building skills and break down the basic small steps to teach you how to throw on the potter’s wheel with control and confidence. You’ll be applying your new skills in sequence to make cylinders, bowls, and plates while being actively vulnerable, learning from mistakes, and having a lot of fun along this 12-week journey! All students are expected to purchase clay through the Center Ticket Office for $50.
Instructor Mike Zureich / Intermediate Level
SESSION 1: THU / SEP 18 – OCT 23 / 6– 9 PM
SESSION 2: THU / OCT 30 – DEC 11 / 6 – 9 PM
$175 / $160 Museum Members, per session
Location: Carriage Hall, 3200 Cook Rd, Midland, MI 48640
Take your ceramic skills to the next level in this intermediate wheel throwing class. This semester, you’ll work on a large project, complete targeted skill-building exercises, and have the option to explore an advanced ceramic art project. We’ll also discuss individual goals, keep a sketchbook and glaze journal, and support your creative process every step of the way. The course includes demonstrations and personalized, one-on-one instruction to help you refine your technique and expand your artistic vision. Optional “just for fun” class challenges and projects are offered to keep things fresh and inspiring. All students are expected to purchase clay through the Center Ticket Office for $50.
Instructor Becca Watz / Intermediate & Advanced Level
SESSION 1: WED / SEP 17– OCT 22 / 10 AM – 1 PM
SESSION 2: WED / OCT 29 – DEC 10 / 10 AM – 1 PM
$175 / $160 Museum Members, per session
Location: Carriage Hall, 3200 Cook Rd, Midland, MI 48640
Now that you have learned the basic forms and techniques, let’s have fun with them! In this class we are going DEEP—by exploring advanced forms, surface techniques, and a bit of sculpture. In addition, we will stretch our minds to think more broadly in the realm of aesthetics and how to create a cohesive body of work around a single theme. Come join us for an adventure as we dive deeper into the vast world of ceramic possibilities. Students are expected to purchase clay through the Center Ticket Office for $50.
Instructor Beth Thomas / Advanced Level
Fall Photography Classes
SAT / SEP 13 / 1 – 4 PM
$55 / $45 (Museum Members)
Location: Dahlia Hill (2809 Orchard Dr, Midland, MI 48640)
Surround yourself with vibrant blooms in this hands-on outdoor workshop set at dazzling Dahlia Hill. Led by your expert instructor, you will learn about camera operation and get help with your camera. You will also explore concepts of exposure and composition. Learn how to get images you imagine and correct problems you have encountered. 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
SAT / OCT 18 / 1 – 4 PM
$55 / $45 (Museum Members)
Location: Chippewa Nature Center (400 S Badour Rd, Midland, MI 48640)
Celebrate the magic of changing leaves in this immersive outdoor photography workshop. Led by your expert instructor, you will learn about camera operation and get help with your camera. You will also explore concepts of exposure and composition. Learn how to get images you imagine and correct problems you have encountered. Explore ways to frame golden hues, contrast, and natural patterns in your shots. 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
Fall Painting Classes
TUE / SEP 16 – OCT 21 / 4:30 – 6:30 PM
$155 / $140 (Museum Members)
Location: Carriage Hall, 3200 Cook Rd, Midland, MI 48640
Bring new life to your acrylic paintings by experimenting with different styles and integrating mixed media into your process. Students will learn how to add dynamic texture and pattern to their works, and blend realism and abstraction to create one-of-a-kind images. Basic acrylic painting techniques such as color mixing and blending will be demonstrated as we learn new styles and techniques. This class is great for beginners who would like to explore painting further or more advanced students who are looking to expand their skills.
Instructor Allise Noble / Beginner & Intermediate Level
TUE / NOV 4 – DEC 9 / 4:30 – 6:30 PM
$155 / $140 (Museum Members)
Location: Carriage 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(s) 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. NOTE: This class will meet on Tuesday of Thanksgiving week.
Instructor Allise Noble / Beginner & Intermediate Level
SESSION 1: MON / SEP 15 – OCT 20 / 10 AM – 1 PM
SESSION 2: MON / OCT 27 – DEC 8 / 10 AM – 1 PM
$155 / $140 Museum Members, per session
Location: Greater Midland Community Center, 2205 Jefferson Ave, Midland, MI 48640
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, this class offers a dynamic dive into the art of oil painting. Learn to mix color, handle brushes with confidence, and explore paint application through both traditional and contemporary approaches. Students will study techniques used by the Old Masters—like grisaille and alla prima—while working from life and photo references. Along the way, you’ll be encouraged to experiment and develop your own unique style. This is a great opportunity to build a strong foundation or take your oil painting practice to the next level in a supportive, creative environment.
Instructor Jill Tatroe / Beginners & Intermediate Level
WED / SEP 17 – OCT 22 / 10 AM – 1 PM
$180 / $165 (Museum Members)
Location: Carriage Hall, 3200 Cook Rd, Midland, MI 48640
If you have admired the glowing transparency of watercolor paintings and have always wanted to try this medium, this is the comprehensive class for you! Nancy Philo has forty plus years of watercolor expertise and will guide you through all the basic techniques. Class work will feature demonstrations and working from simple to more complex subject matter through still life, working from a photo, and copying a Master’s watercolor painting. Discussion includes perspective, lighting, color mixing, individual and group critique.
Instructor Nancy Philo / Beginner Level
TUE / SEP 16 – OCT 21 / 10 AM – 1 PM
$180 / $165 (Museum Members)
Location: Various
Come and experience painting the fall colors in beautiful locations around the area. We will learn more about painting foliage of all types, water, and the paths leading into the woods and over the bridges of Midland. Discussions will center on creating an emotional response to the landscape, lighting, and color mixing. Demo and individualized instruction are by Nancy Philo, who has practiced painting outdoors for many years all over our country and in Europe.
Instructor Nancy Philo / Intermediate Level
WED / OCT 29 – DEC 10 / 10 AM – 1 PM
$180 / $165 (Museum Members)
Location: Carriage Hall, 3200 Cook Rd, Midland, MI 48640
This course is for those students who have taken Nancy Philo’s beginning class, have a working knowledge of watercolor techniques, and want to improve their painting skills. We will work on more advanced techniques and practicing and honing our skills with this beautiful and elusive medium. Color mixing and weights of colors, how to create a compelling composition, and practice with texture and fabric rendering, critiques and frequent demos will be a part of this class.
Instructor Nancy Philo / Intermediate & Advanced Level
Fall Jewelry & Glass Classes
FRI / SEP 26 / 6 – 9 PM
$75 / $65 (Museum Members)
Location: Instructor's Home Studio
Ready to play with glass—safely? In this hands-on 3-hour workshop, you’ll dive into the colorful world of glass fusing and try out a variety of exciting techniques. Perfect for total beginners or artists from other mediums looking to explore something new—no experience needed! You’ll create multiple unique pieces, which will be fired and ready for pickup in 1–2 weeks. All tools, glass supplies, and kiln firings are included. The class is held at the instructor’s cozy home studio (no heat or AC), so dress for the weather! A $30 materials fee is due to the instructor on class day. Questions? Reach out at: emmyheger@yahoo.com
Instructor Emmy Heger / Beginner Level
FRI / OCT 10 / 6 – 9 PM
$75 / $65 (Museum Members)
Location: Instructor's Home Studio
Get into the holiday spirit with glass fusing fun! In this cheerful workshop, you’ll create several festive flat fused glass ornaments to hang—and maybe a few extra small surprises if time allows. No experience needed—just bring your creativity and some holiday inspiration! Your finished pieces will be ready for pickup 1–2 weeks after class. All tools, glass supplies, and kiln firings are provided. The class is held at the instructor’s cozy home studio (no heat or AC), so dress for the weather! A $30 materials fee is due to the instructor on the day of class. Questions? Reach out at: emmyheger@yahoo.com
Instructor Emmy Heger / Beginner Level
MON / SEP 15 – OCT 20 / 6 – 9 PM
$175 / $160 (Museum Members)
Location: Carriage Hall, 3200 Cook Rd, Midland, MI 48640
This class is designed to be an introduction to jewelry making in its most basic form using cold connections, not soldering! You’ll learn all the tools used and their usages to create projects held together with rivets and jump rings, etc. in base metals like aluminum, brass, copper and others. You’ll learn how to connect all the components for pendants, bracelets and rings to complete a piece to show off your new skills! Tools and equipment provided. Instructor will help students order their materials according to their chosen project.
Instructor Becky White / Beginner & Intermediate Level
WED / OCT 29 – DEC 10 / 6 – 9 PM
$175 / $160 (Museum Members)
Location: Carriage Hall, 3200 Cook Rd, Midland, MI 48640
Explore the art of jewelry making with lost wax casting. Students create wax models that are cast into silver jewelry. Open to all skill levels, beginners start with two guided projects to learn wax types and techniques before designing their own pieces. The course covers wax sculpting, spruing, casting, finishing, and polishing. Tools and equipment provided. Instructor will help students order materials for their chosen project.
Instructor Sharon Berkan-Dent / All Skill Levels
Fall Drawing Classes
MON / SEP 15 – OCT 20 / 6 – 8 PM
$155 / $140 (Museum Members)
Location: Greater Midland Community Center, 2205 Jefferson Ave, Midland, MI 48640
Gain basic drawing skills as you explore a variety of mediums to see which you like best, including graphite, ink, and colored pencil. Learn how to shade, blend, and create texture as we practice both drawing from life and using grids to draw from a photo. We will try both realism and stylized illustration.
Instructor Allise Noble / All Skill Levels
MON / OCT 27 – DEC 8 / 6 – 8 PM
$155 / $140 (Museum Members)
Location: Greater Midland Community Center, 2205 Jefferson Ave, Midland, MI 48640
Create beautiful illustrations in ink, exploring both realism as well as more whimsical, stylized applications. Learn basic drawing skills with both pen and pencil, and then add a burst of color using watercolor markers. This technique is relaxing and experimental and works with a variety of drawing styles.
Instructor Allise Noble / All Skill Levels
Class & Workshop Info
- We’re in the process of building brand new studios as part of our ongoing reconstruction! In the meantime, we’re grateful to our community partners for providing accessible classrooms so we can continue offering classes without interruption. Be sure to double-check your class location and keep an eye on your email for updates before your session begins.
- 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.
- For Fall Classes, there will be no classes the week of NOV 24 – 28, 2025, with the exception of Mixed Media Magic.