Hillside MHP - Paint ‘N Sip

Creativity, Community and Connection

By Susan Slater

Hillside’s Paint ‘N Sip event brought members of the community together for an evening filled with creativity, learning, friendship and fun. Organized by Maggie Minkos, the event served as a heartfelt initiative to foster connection and enjoyment.

“I did this for a sense of community,” said Maggie, emphasizing her desire for participants to simply have fun and bond.

Participants introduced themselves, many claiming they lacked creativity, the evening revealed the hidden artistic potential within all.

The featured artwork was of a palm tree leaning into the ocean as the sun set in darkhuescreated by Cat--The Artist, from Oregon. Cat guided everyone through the painting process, offering them the freedom to recreate her artwork or embark on their own creative journeys. Her encouragement sparked a sense of possibility among those who initially doubted their artistic abilities.

One memorable moment occurred when Sharon Remaly wrestled with her depiction of a bee. With support from Em, who sat beside her, Sharon brought her bee to life.

“Who said you didn’t have any creativity?” someone remarked looking onto their neighbor’s painting.

The event culminated in a group photo, capturing not just the artwork but also the smiles, laughter, and pride of the participants. The collection of paintings was a testament to the shared experience in which people interpret and express art. It showcased the power of creativity, proving that art is not only about skill but also about imagination and connection.

Maggie’s vision of bringing people together for a fun activity was realized in every brushstroke and shared laughs. For those involved, it wasn’t just about the painting, it was about discovering their own creativity and having fun. The evening left an impression, reminding everyone that art, in all its forms, has the power to connect and inspire.