We are an art studio located in Fort Collins, CO. We pride ourselves on providing a unique experience to artists of all abilities, ages, backgrounds, and identities in a safe and comfortable environment. Embark on a creative journey with our staff as you explore a variety of techniques and mediums offered in one of our many available classes.
Maya Ratcliff, founder of Hawaii Fluid Art, began her art career helping people with brain injuries delve into their artistic talents as therapy. She eventually developed her proprietary method of fluid art using acrylic paints and a special pouring medium while working from her home and area resorts. As word spread by students thrilled at seeing what they could create, the demand for her classes grew. Ratcliff opened the first Hawaii Fluid Art studio in Waikoloa, HI, where her fluid art technique is now taught during multiple daily classes.
“I feel that everyone can be an artist, and I love helping inspire people and bringing joy to people through art,” Ratcliff explains. “Fluid art is a fun way to bring people together for a unique experience focused on self-expression. Together, we make feel-good art.” In addition, our instructors go through a certified training process that teaches color theory, design, process, and our proprietary fluid art techniques. Hawaii Fluid Art’s professional instructors help students achieve beautiful results every time.
Explore your inner artist while creating beautiful one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Unique and fun art is what Hawaii Fluid Art is known for.
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Our 1 to 1.5 hour classes take place in our ventilated studios and include everything you need to create a beautiful canvas of whatever size you desire. Nothing else is required besides bringing a smile and some comfy clothes and shoes!
Once your group arrives, we will do a short briefing going over the experience that you will be enjoying. From there we will get started!
But don’t worry, your instructor will be there every step of the way. They will help you and your group by demonstrating techniques, helping match color choices, helping you achieve the vision in your mind, and so much more while you play and create.
Once you are happy with your final product, your instructor will go over how long it will take for your work of art to be ready – fluid art as some lengthy drying times! You will get information on when to return to pick up your work of art, and be on your way ready for whatever is next!
Different pigments of paint are made of different materials, each with a specific weight and density. Some are heavier, such as metals, and some, such as those from plant matter or resins, are lighter. When the pigments are all suspended and mixed together in a similar fluid medium, the various pigments push and pull against each-other.
Depending on the pigment’s viscosity and quantity, they move around, sometimes mix, and often they rise or sink to create the appearance of organic cells on the canvas. There is always a bit of mystery as to what your final piece will look like, which is part of the joy of this technique.
Everyone!
No, Seriously! We Mean It!
Our Fluid Art classes are regularly booked by:
Our studios are well ventilated and temperature controlled and all of our products are NON-toxic, water based and easy to use. Every aspect of your fluid art experience is taken care of from the beginning. We will walk you through the experience step-by-step, help you select colors, and help answer any questions once you begin creating!
We recommend children being at least 3 before participating in a fluid art experience with parents or guardians. Children under 13 must be supervised by a parent or guardian.
Yes! The experience you book will be private to your group. That being said, we cannot promise that other experiences won’t be happening concurrently in the studio!
No Cancellations: We do not allow cancellations for any confirmed bookings. Once a reservation is made, it is considered final.
Rescheduling Option: While we do not offer cancellations, we understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise. In such cases, customers are welcome to reschedule their booking to an available date within six months of the original reservation.
Notification of Rescheduling: Customers must notify Hawaii Fluid Art of their intent to reschedule at least 48 hours before the scheduled event. Rescheduling requests made within 48 hours of the event may be subject to a rescheduling fee.
How to Reschedule: To reschedule your booking, please contact Hawaii Fluid Art through the provided contact information. Our team will assist you in finding an alternative date that suits your schedule.
No-Shows: Failure to attend the scheduled event without prior notification will result in forfeiture of the booking, and no rescheduling or refund options will be provided.
Event Changes by Hawaii Fluid Art: In the unlikely event that Hawaii Fluid Art needs to cancel or reschedule a class due to unforeseen circumstances or weather, we will notify affected customers as soon as possible and provide suitable alternatives or a full refund.
For those differently abled, the chance to create a work of art with paint comes with so many barriers it can seem impossible. Fluid Art knocks those barriers down by removing the need for paintbrushes, precision movement, and even traditional sensory input!
We are happy to host and teach anyone who requires accessibility services. We welcome guests every day with disabilities ranging from intellectual, motor, sensory and more. Fluid Art is widely discussed among art therapists as one of the best forms of art therapy. So much so, Hawaii Fluid Art is currently developing our own therapeutic course offerings.
In short, without the expectation to create “the tangible”, fluid art allows creativity to flow through a variety of senses. From touch as paint runs over the edges of your canvas onto your fingers to sound as the paint pools below your first pours. Come experience inclusive fun for your next outing!
No Artistic Experience Necessary!
When we say no artistic experience necessary, we mean it!
But don’t worry, we got you! – It is not uncommon for first timers to feel a little out of their comfort zone. We have found a lot of people were told at some point growing up that they weren’t artistically talented, which left an impression – and THAT STINKS!!
Fluid Art shows us that everyone can be an artist.
We empower creativity. The most amazing aspect of our business is watching our customers begin to gain confidence and relax as they create their masterpiece. One of the most common refrains we hear as our guests leave is:
“I know exactly what I am going to do next time!”
