Professional Artists Teach Classes of Varying Disciplines and Experience Levels

Behind the brick lobby walls as you enter the Midland Center for the Arts, one can find a world of opportunities in the studio spaces designed for education and collaborative workspace. From studio spaces to build clay creations to the tools that craft custom jewelry, and even a darkroom to develop film; the Center hosts a variety of unique studios for creatives to explore many artistic mediums with experience ranging from beginners to advanced.

It isn’t just the spaces that make the Center so exciting for emerging, practicing and aspiring artists, it is the expertise of instructors that bring intimate educational opportunities to people of all ages. Whether it be drawing, painting, photography, ceramics, jewelry, or mixed-media, the Center connects students with professional artists to grow and excel in their personal interests.

Former students of the Center have gone on to exhibit their work in galleries throughout the state and beyond, and for Pam Hart, she began teaching her own series of courses after studying with multiple instructors for more than 10 years at the Center. “What we have been able to do is foster a community of artists, where teaching artists collectively share their expertise, and artists can connect and collaborate on ideas and projects,” said Hart. “When we were kids, we loved to play and build with our hands, and now as adults, we get to play once again and tap into our creativity. We see growth in all of our students, cultivating professional artists that are committed to creating quality work.”

Beginning in January, the Center will offer 27 classes and workshops in multiple artistic disciplines for adults as well as students grades 6-12. With courses taking place weekly over a duration of a few months, the various offerings give students an opportunity to enroll in a course that matches their personal schedule, interest and skill level. The Center even offers one-day workshops to accommodate individuals with limited availability in their schedule.

“The Center is a home for artists of all skill levels, to explore, create and imagine new opportunities” said Jennifer Kanyo, Director of Education. “Our goal with the adult classes is to offer opportunities for people to explore a discipline they are looking to strengthen, or expose them to another unique technique to build upon their portfolio.”

To enroll in a course and see the full lineup for winter 2020, visit midlandcenter.org/class. Students can register online or by calling the Center Ticket Office at 989-631-8250. Tuition assistance is available through the Center’s Art from the Heart Scholarship Fund, more information can also be found online at midlancenter.org.