Shellharbour City Council is kicking off 2026 with a new season of exhibitions, workshops and creative events at The Imaginarium in Shellharbour Village.
From January through March, the current program features local artists, hands on workshops and community led experiences that showcase the depth of creative talent within the region.
Caption: There is plenty to look forward to at The Imaginarium in 2026. Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council
The season opens with the Shellharbour City Arts Society's Annual Exhibition from 12 to 27 January, with an opening event on 17 January. The exhibition showcases a diverse collection of local artworks, including striking paintings and limited‑edition prints, celebrating the wide range of styles and stories within the local arts community.
Throughout January, visitors can also take part in a range of creative workshops, including drawing, painting, textile and mixed media sessions, designed for all skill levels. Each session offers participants the chance to learn new techniques, explore creativity and connect with local artists in an inclusive, supportive setting.
In February, the program expands with the launch of Ideas Club - The Unusual Suspects, a new quarterly salon focused on creativity and collaboration, along with an Intuitive Art and Meditation Workshop. A sold out Art Retreat for Beginners with Fran Connelley will also run mid February.
Creativity will extend beyond the walls of The Imaginarium as part of the citywide Art in Unexpected Places program. From February to April, installations by Anna Glynn will be on display at Shellharbour Airport, while works by Sharon Billinge will appear at bus stops throughout Shellharbour.
Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said she was proud to see the community embracing local creativity.
"Our local artists bring so much energy and character to Shellharbour. The Imaginarium program showcases the incredible talent in our region and offers opportunities for everyone to connect with that creativity and try something new."
The full program, including exhibition dates and workshop bookings, is available through Council's website.
KEY MESSAGES:
• The Imaginarium is launching a new season of exhibitions and creative workshops for early 2026.
A diverse program of hands-on workshops and exhibitions will run throughout January to March, showcasing local talent and providing accessible creative experiences for beginners and experienced artists.
• Shellharbour City Council continues to foster a thriving arts community, supporting creativity, connection, and public art both within The Imaginarium and across the city.
January 2026
The season opens with the Shellharbour City Arts Society's Annual Exhibition, held from 12 to 27 January with an opening event on 17 January, showcasing the beauty, spirit and diversity of works created by local artists. Throughout January, The Imaginarium will host a dynamic lineup of workshops designed for all skill levels. These include Neurographic & Zentangle, Texture Paste Art, Still Life Drawing and Painting, Coastal Art, Mindful Mandalas, Denim Delights and The heART of Painted Thread. Each session offers participants the chance to learn new techniques, explore creativity and connect with local artists in an inclusive, supportive setting.
February 2026
February continues the momentum with the launch of Ideas Club -The Unusual Suspects, a new quarterly salon celebrating creativity, collaboration and the exchange of ideas, followed by an Intuitive Art and Meditation Workshop blending mindfulness with expressive artmaking. Wednesday 11 February at 6.30pm.
