Families are invited to enjoy an afternoon of creativity, colour and connection when Art in the Park 2026 returns to Sullivan Lake next week.

The free community event will see five Eastern Bay artists lead a series of hands-on art workshops for children.

Designed to spark imagination and encourage playful learning, the activities will take place in a relaxed outdoor setting, with all children required to be accompanied by an adult.

Galatea-based artist Tania Akehurst, whose work is inspired by the natural environment, will be running a frog-themed workshop where children can create their own frog puppets.

“Frogs are a wonderful indicator of environmental health,” Akehurst said. “The park we’re holding the event in has a pond, and one of our funders is an environmental agency, so it felt like a meaningful and playful way to connect creativity with care for our environment.”

She said working with children was one of the highlights of the event.

“It brings me so much joy each year. The children are always so excited as they move between artists, finishing projects or joining in the dancing and other organised activities.”

Weaver and multi-disciplinary artist Abigail Bakker is returning for her second year at Art in the Park and is looking forward to sharing the art of raranga.

“Last year I loved teaching kids – and their parents and grandparents – the joy of raranga , or Māori weaving,” she said.

“It’s important we continue to share this skill with tamariki, so they can carry it forward into the future, for the betterment of people and planet.”

Artist and early childhood teacher Kerry Limmer, a regular at the event, will be guiding children through portrait drawing this year.

“Come along with a friend and ask them to sit for you while you draw their portrait

with crayons or pastels. Then swap over and return the favour. Art is a wonderful way to be creative and have fun,” she said.

Porcelain artist Maria King will be stepping away from her usual medium to teach crochet, showing participants how to create a classic Granny Square using yarn and a hook.

“It looks amazing no matter the type of yarn or hook you use,” King said.

The stitches are easy to remember and form the basis for so many different projects,” she said.

All materials will be supplied, with 30 packs available on a first-in, first-served basis.

Sue Whale will be teaching children how to do pastel drawings of animals and plants on black paper.

Art in the Park will have lots of other activities, including musical entertainment, a free barbecue by Fonterra, the balloon man, a display by Halo (conservation) group, nail and face painting, coffee and shaved ice-cream for sale, and colouring-in activities.

Art in the Park is supported by Creative Communities Whakatāne and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council – Regional Community Outcomes Fund, helping make the event accessible and family friendly.

Art in the Park 2026
■ Where: Douglas Street end, Sullivan Lake Park
■ When: Wednesday, January 21, 3pm-5.30pm
■ Who: Children and families (children must be accompanied by an adult)
■ Cost: Free