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42 | OHCC LIVING | JULY 2025 | Salt Club SALT's Sip and Paint Workshop What do you get when you mix 24 adventurous artists, some bubble wrap, a few torn-up boxes, a rainbow of berets, and two incredibly talented instructors? A room full of laughter, creativity, and masterpieces-in-the-making, of course! Under the guidance of Nancy Klaphaak and Betty Anne Kreutziger, the group gathered to transform blank 12x12" canvases into one-of-a-kind works of art. With old placards, torn cardboard, and a few tools, Nancy showed us how everyday objects could become the building blocks of beauty. We watched in awe. Then we got to work. Color palettes were selected. Tools and paint were on the tables with printed papers created by Nancy, Betty Anne, Sue Silva, Karen Krugan and Jeannie Critchfield, using the Gelli Press method. Their work added texture, color, and a touch of je ne sais quoi to our masterpieces. And, with the grace of true artists—and the urgency of people hunting for the last dab of teal acrylic, we began our journey. Betty Anne presented drawings of different vase shapes and showed us how to tear out a vase and other objects from printed paper — because nothing says "fine art" like ripping something very carefully and gluing it down with… wait for it… Mod Podge. (Or as my table-mates insisted on calling it, "Hodge Podge.") Soon, the room was humming: "Where's the Mod Podge?" "HELP!" "I'm throwing this in the garbage the minute I get home!" "Why am I here?"… all typical preambles to genius, as any artist will tell you. Nancy and Betty Anne circled the room offering suggestions, sparking ideas, and nudging us out of our artistic comfort zones. Soon we started to see our projects come alive. Creating original work gives you a break from the chaos, lets you create without judgment, and reminds you that even a paint- splattered collage can be a masterpiece in the making. Because it's not about perfect art — it's about perfectly letting go. Will we schedule another workshop? Oh, absolutely. (Stay tuned for dates!) We are in it for the sip, the paint, the appetizers — and the company of people who aren't afraid to press bubble wrap dipped in paint to a canvas and call it art! Because it is. A participant shared: "I really enjoyed working with everyone today. SALT is just what OHCC needed — a caring group making a difference in our neighborhood." REMINDER: SALT's Digital Helpers Workshops for July — space is limited to 10 participants per workshop. Sign up at salt.ohcc. tech@gmail.com; members only. Join us! Membership forms are at the front desk – $10/person. https:// saltoceanhillscc.wixsite.com/saltohcc. Written by Jeannie Critcheld