Last year's auction raised a record $45,500.
Fifteen kids were going along to paint a canvas yesterday, while others would work on theirs at home.
For 12-year-old Anna Barron, who will be 13 on Wednesday and her big sister Rosie, 14, it was the first time taking part in the annual event.
Anna, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in June, was working on a colourful mandala etched into black paint.
The former Otonga School and Rotorua Intermediate pupil will be starting at Rotorua Girls' High School this year, but her artwork was inspired by something they did in her Year 3 class.
"I've basically been here [Rotorua] all my life," she said.
"I'm a bit nervous about high school, about meeting new people I guess."
She was covered in black paint, and even had some on her legs.
"I hope I will get to go the charity breakfast," she said.
"[The Child Cancer Foundation] have been a lot of help."
Big sister Rosie was taking part to support her little sister.
"My mum gave me the idea of splattering the paint and I just really like purple," she said about her artwork.
Others had printed references from their favourite video games or television shows while some used stencils or traced flowers.
Rotorua Child Cancer Foundation family support co-ordinator Barb Richardson has seen her fair share of art days, with this her 12th.
"It's been fantastic, it's so awesome to see the kids here working away quietly."
She said when it came to the auction their artworks could sell for anywhere between $100 to $1000.
"It's just amazing, even the 2 to 3-year-olds with their modern art scribbles sell really well.
"I think people are moved by the children's stories and what they have been through."
What: Child Cancer Charity Breakfast and Art Auction
When: Friday, March 9, breakfast at 6.30am and auction at 7am
Where: Distinction Hotel, Fenton ball room
Cost: $40 or a table of 10 for $375, tickets can be bought from the Professionals office at 1290 Eruera St.
