Kershaw-Ryan State Park welcomed a small group of creative visitors for its latest Art in the Park event on Saturday, May 10. 

The Mothers Day weekend gathering was hosted by local artist and outdoor enthusiast Barbara Rohde. Around a dozen community members took part in the hands-on morning, enjoying the peaceful setting of the park while tapping into their artistic side.

The terracotta flower pots theme was just in time for planting season. Participants were encouraged to decorate pots for their front porches or garden spaces. With paints, brushes and pots all supplied, guests let their imaginations take root. Many drew inspiration from nature-themed idea books provided by the park, painting everything from toads and dragonflies to lizards, bugs and blooming wildflowers.

Kershaw-Ryan is planning more Art in the Park events for later this year. Themes including watercolor demonstrations and nature journaling are being looked at for the fall season. Last year’s rock painting event was a hit, and organizers hope to keep building on the tradition of pairing creative expression with the natural beauty of the park.

Special thanks were extended by Rohde to Park Supervisor Ethan Mower for continuing to support engaging programs like these. 

“Ethan is always encouraging visitors to see the park not just as a place to hike, but as a space for inspiration and creativity.”