Remember how proud you felt when your mom hung your kindergarten art on the refrigerator? At Hawaii Fluid Art, the team can guide you through creating a canvas or wearable art you’ll be happy to show off beyond the Frigidaire.

David Triplett of Hawaii Fluid Art stands smiling in the entrance of his shop, surrounded by retail goods.

Walking through the door of the 2600 square foot studio feels like entering a portal into a tropical gift shop with palm tree wall hangings, seashell jewelry, and beach-evocative music greeting you.

But the real work at Hawaii Fluid Art happens a little further back where canvases, drying racks, and acrylic paints are all at the ready. If you’ve been less than inspired by the traditional paint-and-sip, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the creations you can accomplish with fluid art.

Owner Dave Triplett says anyone from age 2 to 102 can make something beautiful using this technique. He himself does not have any prior artistic experience. In addition to Triplett himself, staff includes his wife Joann Triplett, full-time instructor Christian Walter, and part-time instructor Tiffany Caldwell.

The instructors “teach you how to layer your cup [of paint] and then we’ll help you pour it out onto the canvas,” Triplett explained. “Then together, we manipulate the canvas back and forth, up and down, and spread the colors around. The way the paint flows is mesmerizing.”

The finished product has a sort of marbled look and feel which gives a dynamic finish on a canvas, drinkware, charcuterie boards, or pretty much anything! Triplett showed off a small bear figurine which had been enhanced with swirls of acrylic paint and resin.

“Parents and kids love it equally,” Triplett said. “The cool thing is, how many activities are out there that everyone can do? If you go bowling or golfing, not everyone can do that. But this is something all ages can enjoy.”

He recalled his initial discovery day at the Hawaii Fluid Art headquarters in Texas where a group of Red Hat ladies were enjoying a creation session. One woman who had a traumatic brain injury shared her excitement of being able to create something beautiful.

“She said to me, ‘I didn’t think I could do this, but it is so much fun. I can’t wait to come back!’” Triplett said. “It’s so healing, it gives you such a feeling of accomplishment.”

Emotional healing may well be part of the Hawaii Fluid Art origin story. The concept originated during COVID shutdowns in 2020. Founder Maya Ratcliff was not working and needed an artistic outlet. She took to the garage and experimented with letting paint slide around on canvas. When she started posting pictures of her creations on social media, people began asking, “Can you show me how to do that?”

The original shop was on the big island in Hawaii and was only 900 square feet. From there it spread to the continental U.S. where, according to Triplett, there are now 30-33 stores throughout the country with an anticipated 100 plus by the end of 2024.

Triplett intends to open five locations: one more in Omaha, two in Lincoln, and one in Palm Springs, CA.

The flagship Omaha location, which will celebrate its grand opening on June 19, is located near 132^nd & Dodge in the Linden Market business plaza. The kick off celebration will include specials, giveaways, a ribbon cutting, and – of course – fluid art creations.

“Often people will walk by on the way to the restaurant or HyVee and stop in. We’ll give them a little tour and, if we don’t have any classes going, invite them to do a project.”

He noted that parent/child visits are common and his first repeat customer was a 9-year-old girl. Children enjoy the added offerings of stringing beads or adding patches to apparel.

“Couples are very popular,” Triplett said. “Either besties or girls night, or a date night type thing. Events that are really fun are office parties and bachelorette parties.”

Children’s creation sessions start at $25 and adults start at $65. Triplett was quick to share, however, that there are usually promotions to help offset the cost. Currently, folks using the promo code “OHANA808” can get 15% off their session.

The front of house area features gift items and art including island-inspired work by artist Robin Bones. Seashell jewelry and novelty apparel are available for purchase as well.

Curious individuals may stop by any time during the regular office hours of Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Triplett said the studio can accommodate individuals up to groups of 65. Larger groups are encouraged to schedule online at HawaiiFluidArt.com/Omaha.