Art in the Park

This class is presented in partnership with Art Center Sarasota.

Art in the Park is where creativity meets well-being — an uplifting way to start your day through art, connection, and community. Set within the natural beauty of The Bay, these FREE sessions offer hands-on projects led by Art Center Sarasota teaching artists — each designed to inspire and nourish your creative spirit. Choose one that feels good for you.

For beginners and experienced artists alike. Basic student-grade supplies are provided free of charge for those getting started. If you’re more experienced, feel free to bring your favorite materials and tools to work with.

Celebrate 100 years of Art Center Sarasota and 3 years of The Bay with a calming, creative drawing experience focused on growth and gratitude. Participants will fill a simple grid with Zentangle-inspired patterns, symbols, or words—representing something (or someone) that has helped them grow. This meditative drawing process encourages reflection while exploring repetition, rhythm, and personal expression.

Friday, Nov 7 – Small Works, Big Impact
Mini canvases, big creativity! Participants will create postcard-sized artworks using watercolor, ink, or collage—small pieces that pack a visual punch. Whether abstract, whimsical, or heartfelt, each mini masterpiece is a chance to express yourself on a tiny scale with major flair.

Friday, Dec 5 – Holidays in Paradise
Skip the snow and bring on the art—Sarasota-style! Participants will create tropical-inspired holiday ornaments or cards using bright colors and fun materials. Think palm trees, flamingos, and sunshine—perfect for gifting or adding a splash of coastal cheer to your holiday décor.

Friday, Jan 9 (NOTE: This event is on the 2nd Friday this month ONLY) – New Year, New You!
Start the year with intention and creativity. In this Mindful Drawing session, participants will slow down, breathe, and create calming patterns or images that reflect their hopes for the year ahead. A relaxing, restorative way to begin 2026 with focus, flow, and a refreshed creative spirit.

Friday, Feb 6 – Art from the Heart
Paint a Poem! Celebrate love in all its forms—romantic, platonic, self-love, or simply a love of beauty—with a creative experience that blends poetry and paint. Participants will combine color, shape, and expressive brushwork to transform words into visual art.

Friday, Mar 6 – Art of the Spectacle
Celebrate visual drama, big ideas, and playful expression with Mask Making! Using pre-cut cardstock templates, collage papers, feathers, and markers, participants will design theatrical masks that reflect a mood, alter ego, or imaginary character. If you’re feeling festive, wear your masterpiece to Art Center Sarasota’s Beaux Arts Ball on March 21!

Friday, Apr 3 – Good to Be Green
Celebrate creativity and sustainability with Bottlecap Mandalas—a hands-on activity using clean, recycled materials. Participants will design their own mandala using colorful bottlecaps arranged in symmetrical patterns. A mindful, eco-friendly way to explore pattern, balance, and personal expression.

Other Important Class Details:

• Due to popular demand, registrations are accepted only 4 weeks in advance.
• IF YOUR PLANS CHANGE: Space is very limited. Due to popular demand and as a courtesy to other park guests, please quickly cancel your Eventbrite reservation if you are no longer able to attend so your spot can be released to someone else.
• Event sold out? Please consider these options:
  • Check back online closer to the event to see if cancellations result in openings, or
  • Stop by The Nest before 10am the morning of a scheduled Plein Air Painting event to see if there are any “no-shows.”

Know Before You Go:

• Free parking is located around the site— along Blvd of the Arts and Van Wezel Way, and in front of the Van Wezel, Municipal Auditorium and Blue Pagoda. Please avoid parking in designated Sarasota Orchestra parking areas.
• All pets must be non-aggressive and on a leash at all times. Owners are expected to pick up after their pets.

Please report any risky or unsafe behavior to the Sarasota Non-Emergency Police 24 hours a day (941) 316-1199.

NOTE: This event will happen rain or shine. Based on Florida’s unpredictable weather, location decisions will often be made closer to the time of the event. In the event of inclement weather, this event will be moved indoors to the Sarasota Garden Club (1131 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota 34236). Notices will be communicated via The Bay website calendar, Eventbrite, Facebook and Instagram up to one hour before start time as unpredictable Florida weather changes quickly.