Celebrate National Art Day in Walton-on-Thames

National Art Day falls on Sunday 25 October 2026, offering the perfect opportunity to celebrate creativity and the people who bring art into our lives.

The date is also widely recognised as International Artist Day, an annual celebration of painters, musicians, writers, performers, photographers, sculptors and makers. It takes place on the birthday of Pablo Picasso, who was born on 25 October 1881.

If you would like to mark the occasion locally, there are several ways to enjoy and support the arts in and around Walton-on-Thames.

Paint your own pottery at Crafty Pots Café

For another hands-on family activity, visit Crafty Pots Café in The Heart Shopping Centre. Pottery painting is suitable for children and adults, making it an easy way for the whole family to create something together.

Choose a piece of pottery, add your own colours and designs and leave it with the café to be glazed and fired. As National Art Day falls on a Sunday, check Crafty Pots’ opening times and availability before visiting and book ahead if required.

Enjoy live music at Riverhouse Barn

Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre will mark the day with a special performance by Quartet Concrète, recreating a memorable piece of Riverhouse history.

The concert revisits Quartet Amongst the Puddles, a performance originally staged at Riverhouse in 1986. Forty years later, the quartet will bring the work back to life in a commemorative fundraising concert.

As well as offering an unusual afternoon of live chamber music, the event will help to support Riverhouse Barn and its continuing programme of exhibitions, classes, theatre, music and community activities.

When: Sunday 25 October, 3pm–4pm

Where: Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre, Manor Road, Walton-on-Thames

Tickets: £20

Discover Walton’s public art

You do not necessarily need to attend an organised event to enjoy art in Walton. Take a walk through the town and look out for murals, decorative architecture, creative shop windows and other artistic details that can easily go unnoticed during a busy day.

The Walton Mural Project is a particularly fitting place to visit. The murals celebrate different aspects of the town’s history and identity, turning familiar public spaces into colourful pieces of local storytelling.

You could combine your walk with photography or sketching, capturing some of the buildings, riverside scenes and small details that make Walton distinctive.

Create your own Walton-inspired artwork

National Art Day can also be celebrated at home. You do not need expensive materials or previous experience; the day is simply an opportunity to make time for creativity.

• Sketch your favourite Walton landmark.
• Paint or photograph a scene beside the River Thames.
• Make an autumn collage using fallen leaves.
• Create a picture inspired by Walton’s history.
• Design your own mural for a blank wall in the town.
• Encourage children to draw their favourite place in Walton.
• Write a poem or short story inspired by the riverside.

Art can be painting, drawing, photography, textiles, music, writing, performance or almost any other form of creative expression.
performance or almost any other form of creative expression. Art equipment can be purchased at The Works, Poundland,

Support local artists and creative businesses

Another way to mark National Art Day is by supporting the creative people and organisations in our community, especially those involved in Walton Art Club, and so many Classes held by a variety of experts at The Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre – all of which are held on various day/ times as either one-off or a series of sessions to attend. The Robert Phillips Gallery is Walton’s permanent gallery promoting a truly diverse range of exhibitions throughout the year.

Likewise, The Cecil Hepworth Playhouse Theatre for the community thrives with local Amateur Dramatic and Musical Theatre groups, workshops and one-off specialist events all year round, located just off Hepworth Way in Hurst Grove.

Look out for locally created artwork and handmade gifts, workshops, or performances on social media. Even a small action can help Walton’s creative community continue to thrive.

Celebrate creativity in Walton

National Art Day reminds us that art is not restricted to galleries. It can be found in live music, murals, buildings, handmade objects, photographs, performances and the creativity we see in our everyday surroundings.

So if not just on Sunday 25 October, we know that Walton-on-Thames always offers a chance to slow down, look a little more closely and celebrate the artists and makers who enrich our community. For the latest events and activities, visit the Love Walton What’s On page – please check details directly with the organiser before attending.

Further Afield – Join a free family art session Twickenham

If you are looking for a creative activity for younger children, Orleans House Gallery in nearby Twickenham is holding its free Let’s Get Creative family session on National Art Day.

Designed for children aged 4 to 11 and their grown-ups, these artist-led sessions encourage families to experiment, create and work together. Specific activity and booking details will be announced nearer the date, so check the gallery’s website before travelling.

When: Sunday 25 October

Where: Orleans House Gallery, Riverside, Twickenham

Cost: Free

Suitable for: Families with children aged 4–11