Demystifying AI: A Workshop for Ojai Artists, Business Owners, and Curious Minds

AI Isn't What You Think It Is

Every week, headlines scream about artificial intelligence replacing jobs, generating art, and rewriting the rules of business. For many in Ojai's creative community — artists, gallery owners, wellness practitioners, restaurateurs — the noise creates more confusion than clarity.

That's exactly why we're hosting Demystifying AI: A Human-Centric Introduction — a 90-minute workshop built for real people, not engineers.

What This Workshop Is (And Isn't)

This is not a sales pitch for AI products. It's not a coding class. And it's definitely not going to tell you that a robot should paint your next canvas.

This is an honest, grounded conversation about what AI actually does — how it works as a sophisticated pattern-matching system, why it speaks like a human (and why that's misleading), and where it can genuinely help your business or creative practice.

What You'll Learn

1. The "Smart Lookup" Philosophy (15 min)

We start by clarifying what AI really is: a powerful pattern-matching database, not a sentient entity with motives. We'll address the "UI Illusion" — why chatbots sound human and why that can lead people astray.

2. AI in the Arts: Ethics & Applications (20 min)

A frank discussion about AI-generated versus AI-assisted art. We'll look at a real case study of how a purely AI-driven approach failed a human-centric community, and explore practical uses that actually help artists: inventory management, writing alt-text for accessibility, and handling administrative tasks so you can focus on creating.

3. Practical Business Applications (20 min)

Hands-on demonstration of using AI tools for drafting copy, writing press releases, brainstorming ideas, and organizing your small business operations. You'll see exactly how these tools work in real time — no magic, no mystique.

4. The Truth Factor: Spotting Hallucinations (15 min)

AI makes things up. Confidently. We'll show you how to identify "hallucinations" (false information presented as fact), why they happen, and how to verify claims using primary sources. This is arguably the most important part of the workshop.

5. Open Floor: Q&A and Community Discussion (20 min)

Your questions drive this segment. Whether you're worried about AI and your art, curious about using it for your business, or just want to understand what your grandkids are talking about — this is your time.

Who This Is For

• Artists and gallery owners who want to understand AI's role in the creative world
• Small business owners looking for practical tools to save time
• Wellness practitioners curious about technology without the tech-speak
• Seniors and retirees who want straight answers about AI
• Anyone in Ojai who's heard the buzz and wants the real story

No technical background is required. If you can use email and a web browser, you're ready.

Your Instructor

Daniel Garza brings 25+ years of technology experience — from managing cloud infrastructure for Fortune 500 companies to building AI-powered products today. As the founder of Netrun Systems and owner of Poppies Art and Gifts on Matilija Street, Daniel bridges the gap between enterprise tech and the real-world needs of Ojai's creative community.

This workshop comes from genuine concern about AI misinformation — not hype.

Details & Pricing

• Duration: 90 minutes
• Location: Ojai, CA
• Level: Beginner — absolutely no tech experience needed
• Includes: Printed AI tools reference guide to take home

Reserve Your Seat

Seats are limited to keep the conversation personal and the Q&A meaningful.

Book Early Bird — $29 | Book Standard — $39

Questions? Call (805) 707-4828 or text us anytime.

Ojai IT by Netrun Systems — Ojai's Own IT Department. Locally owned, locally operated, enterprise-grade.