Most painting workshops begin with a blank canvas and four walls. This August, The Butterfly Gardens Abu Dhabi and The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi have partnered with FoscaArt to launch two new creative experiences within Al Qana’s living environments. One places participants among free-flying butterflies inside tropical biodomes, while the other transforms the Aquarium into a UV-lit studio with sharks, rays and marine life moving behind the canvases. In both workshops, the surroundings become part of the creative process rather than simply a backdrop.
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Brushes & Butterflies will take place every Thursday in August from 8:00am to 10:00am inside The Butterfly Gardens Abu Dhabi. Scheduled during the morning, when butterfly activity is at its liveliest, the guided session invites participants to paint while thousands of butterflies move freely around the tropical planting and easels. Priced at AED 250 per person, the experience includes all painting materials, professional instruction from FoscaArt, a completed canvas to take home and complimentary admission to the gardens. Designed for all ability levels, it offers both experienced painters and complete beginners a peaceful and highly visual way to experience the biodomes.
At The National Aquarium, Neon Underwater Painting will run every Thursday in August from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Fluorescent paints and UV black lights will turn the space into a glow-in-the-dark studio, with hammerhead sharks, rays and thousands of marine animals swimming through the live aquarium environment behind participants as they work. Priced at AED 260 per person, the session includes all neon painting materials, guidance from a professional FoscaArt instructor, a take-home canvas and complimentary admission to The National Aquarium.
Launching initially as a limited August series, the collaboration introduces a new creative dimension to both attractions and may later expand through additional dates, seasonal editions and new workshop formats. Together, the experiences give residents and visitors a different way to connect with nature, translating the movement, colour and atmosphere around them into something personal.
Fact Box:
Brushes & Butterflies
Venue: The Butterfly Gardens Abu Dhabi, Al Qana
Dates: Every Thursday throughout August 2026
Time: 8:00am–10:00am
Price: AED 250 per person
Includes: Painting materials, professional instruction, take-home canvas and admission to The Butterfly Gardens Abu Dhabi
Neon Underwater Painting
Venue: The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi, Al Qana
Dates: Every Thursday throughout August 2026
Time: 4:00pm–6:00pm
Price: AED 260 per person
Includes: Neon painting materials, professional instruction, take-home canvas and admission to The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi
