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 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.

Due to popular demand, registrations are accepted only 4 weeks in advance for each session below.

Friday, Oct 3 – Drawing What Grounds You Celebrate 100 years of 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 of 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 7 – 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 7 – Art of the Spectacle Celebrate visual drama, big ideas, and playful expression with a Mask Making workshop that’s equal parts imagination and eco-inspired fun! Using pre-cut recycled cardstock, upcycled collage materials, 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 21st!

Friday, Apr 4 – 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 date to see if cancellations result in openings, or
• Stop by The Ibis Playground Pavillion before 10:00am the morning of a scheduled Art in the Park 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.

About The Bay Third Anniversary Community Celebration

This is one of 80+ FREE and fun events at The Bay during the park's month-long "Third Anniversary Celebration".

• to explore the full Schedule of Events being offered throughout October.
• for other FREE Arts & Entertainment events at The Bay.

Show The Park You Love... Some Love!

Friends of The Bay help support the many beloved offerings in this "One Park For All". Your Friendship helps meticulously maintain acres of greenspace and ensures that dozens of high-quality events remain FREE for everyone to enjoy. to become a Friend of The Bay or renew your friendship today.

Host or Publisher The Bay Park Conservancy