5/10 Local Artist Market & FREE Museum Day

Join over 40 local Santa Cruz artists as they showcase their craftsmanship!

We will be featuring a wide array of goods, ranging from paintings and photography to jewelry, decor, and embroidery. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to support our community’s artisans, celebrate local talent, and grab a gift just in time for Mother’s Day!

As an added bonus, the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History will be providing free admission during the duration of the Market! So, after you’ve enjoyed the festivities on our lawn, make sure you head inside the Museum to visit the Art of Nature exhibit, live animals, and interactive displays.

📆 Saturday, May 10th

⏱️ 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

📍 Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

1305 East Cliff DR, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Accessibility

  • Drop-by anytime 11-3 p.m. to join the festivities!
  • Admission to the Museum is free all day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Follow the latest guidelines for health and safety.
  • Restrooms and water fountains are available inside the Museum.
  • Booths and activities will be outdoors on the lawn.

More Events at the Museum

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5/9 Nudibranch Painting Party!

As part of this Art of Nature exhibit special, join an esteemed artist as you learn the science and art behind the most adorable sea slug around!

Featuring beautiful scientific illustration displays from the exhibit, this program is perfect for aspiring artists and marine biologists alike.

Taught by a professional illustrator and exhibitor, this workshop will begin with a scientific presentation on nudibranch sea slugs before transitioning to the painting portion. Using the artist’s exhibit materials as references, participants will use acrylic paint and decorate their own 3D-printed nudibranch for a one-of-a-kind marine mollusk masterpiece.

No prior experience required. Participants will have a completed art piece to take home at the conclusion of the workshop. Open to ages 16+/all experience levels. All supplies included.

FYI: This class takes place indoors. Supplies may get messy, so casual attire is recommended.

📆 Friday, May 9th

⏱️ 6 – 8 p.m.

📍 Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

1305 East Cliff DR, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Register

Instructor: Arin Vasquez

Materials: All supplies are included in class fee.

Class Fee: $46 – Museum Members receive a special discounted price applied at checkout.

About the Exhibit: The Art of Nature

Scientific illustration brings to life the wonders of nature, from minute zooplankton to extinct megafauna. Explore the beauty and fine details of the world around us in the special exhibit featuring works from 46 local artists in a variety of mediums, all sure to inspire curiosity and deepen connections with science and nature. The Museum has been exhibiting science illustration since 1989 and this beloved annual show is guaranteed to appeal to lovers of both science and art. On view March 28th – June 8th, 2025.

Artwork by: Maria Amorette Klos, 2024

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The Art of Nature is supported by

5/3 Scientific Illustration & Observation in Stippling

Love nature, science, and art but don’t know where to start? Here is your opportunity to master a new skill and bring home your own environmentally-inspired masterpiece after just one class.  

Celebrate Micro May and The Art of Nature through stipple art, which uses small dots to create the impression of texture, shading, or solidity. Learn this unique art style through step-by-step instruction by a master scientific illustrator. After a nature walk to gain knowledge of miniscule local flora and fauna, apply your observations to hue composition, shadow and light techniques, color theory, mixing media, building layers, creating a palette, and more. This class is perfect for aspiring artists or creative naturalists with no prior experience, only a big passion for tiny arts and sciences. 

Participants will have a completed art piece to take home at the conclusion of the workshop. Open to ages 16+/all experience levels. All supplies included.

This class takes place outside, under a tent. Dress appropriately for the outdoors.

📆 Saturday, May 3rd

⏱️ 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.

📍 Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

1305 East Cliff DR, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Register

Materials Fee: All supplies are included in class fee.

Class Fee: $35 – Museum Members receive a special discounted price applied at checkout.

Instructor: Cady DeLay

About the Exhibit: The Art of Nature

Scientific illustration brings to life the wonders of nature, from minute zooplankton to extinct megafauna. Explore the beauty and fine details of the world around us in the special exhibit featuring works from 46 local artists in a variety of mediums, all sure to inspire curiosity and deepen connections with science and nature. The Museum has been exhibiting science illustration since 1989 and this beloved annual show is guaranteed to appeal to lovers of both science and art. On view March 28th – June 8th, 2025.

Artwork by: Maria Amorette Klos, 2024

Explore The Art of Nature
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The Art of Nature is supported by

5/2 Micro May First Friday

Get to know Santa Cruz’s WILD SIDE at the Museum of Natural History.

Nerd out on your night out during monthly after-hours events, featuring rotating themes, vendors, and activities. Free admission to the Museum all day 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with special indoor festivities 5 to 8 p.m.

Big fun can come in small packages! Micro May will magnify your curiosity with naturalists who specialize in the science of small. All month long the Museum’s Public Programs will be showcasing mini-marvels as we explore the tiny treasures of Santa Cruz that are often hiding in plain sight. From microfossils to microplastics, parasites to pollinators, stippling to cinema, you won’t want to miss these gargantuan adventures in pint-sized packages.

In addition to the festivities, there will be information on the upcoming lectures lined up for the micro-themed Naturalist Night series, the opportunity to experience our new The Art of Nature exhibit, explore special seasonal items in the Gift Shop, and more details about this month’s walks and workshops. 

📆 Friday, May 2nd

⏱️ 5 – 8 p.m.

📍 Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

1305 East Cliff DR, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Community Groups & Vendors:

Accessibility:

  • Drop-by anytime 5-8 p.m. to join the festivities!
  • Admission to the Museum is free all day, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Follow the latest guidelines for health and safety.
  • Restrooms and water fountains are available inside the Museum.
  • Booths and activities will be indoors and outdoors.

More Events at the Museum

Explore All Events

4/27 Intro to Plein Air Painting – Superblooms

Go outside and learn to paint gouache and watercolor landscapes while surrounded by nature as inspiration.

This open-air art workshop will teach the techniques necessary to capture environmental perspectives through the creative use of negative space, layering, various stroke techniques, and more. Using the Museum’s exclusive access to various vistas as reference, participants will be guided through the basics of transferring the wonder of wildflowers and Spring’s superblooms to canvas with step-by-step instruction.

No prior experience required. Participants will have a completed art piece to take home at the conclusion of the workshop. Open to ages 16+/all experience levels. All supplies included.

This class takes place outside; dress appropriately for the outdoors. Supplies may get messy, so casual attire is recommended.

📆 Sunday, April 27th

⏱️ 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

📍 Watsonville Wetlands

Register

Materials Fee: All supplies are included in class fee. Participants are welcome to bring their own gardening supplies.

Class Fee: $43 – Museum Members receive a special discounted price applied at checkout.

Instructor: Taylor Seamount

About the Exhibit: The Art of Nature

Scientific illustration brings to life the wonders of nature, from minute zooplankton to extinct megafauna. Explore the beauty and fine details of the world around us in the special exhibit featuring works from 46 local artists in a variety of mediums, all sure to inspire curiosity and deepen connections with science and nature. The Museum has been exhibiting science illustration since 1989 and this beloved annual show is guaranteed to appeal to lovers of both science and art. On view March 28th – June 8th, 2025.

Artwork by: Maria Amorette Klos, 2024

Explore The Art of Nature
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The Art of Nature is supported by

4/26 Earth Day in Oils – Environmental Oil Painting

Let’s go to the beach and learn to paint in oils!

In recognition of Earth Day, learn how to use oil paints in an environmentally friendly, solvent-free way. 

This open-air art workshop will teach the techniques necessary to capture environmental perspectives through the creative use of negative space, layering, various stroke techniques, and more. Paint a vibrant, local seascape while minimizing waste and avoiding harmful chemicals, whilst getting the depth, richness and quality for which oil paints are renowned.

No prior experience required. Participants will have a completed art piece to take home at the conclusion of the workshop. Open to ages 16+/all experience levels. All supplies included.

This class takes place outside; dress appropriately for the outdoors. Supplies may get messy, so casual attire is recommended.

📆 Saturday, April 26th

⏱️ 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

📍 Seabright Beach

Register

Materials Fee: All supplies are included in class fee.

Class Fee: $45 – Museum Members receive a special discounted price applied at checkout.

Instructor: Victoria Galitzine

About the Exhibit: The Art of Nature

Scientific illustration brings to life the wonders of nature, from minute zooplankton to extinct megafauna. Explore the beauty and fine details of the world around us in the special exhibit featuring works from 46 local artists in a variety of mediums, all sure to inspire curiosity and deepen connections with science and nature. The Museum has been exhibiting science illustration since 1989 and this beloved annual show is guaranteed to appeal to lovers of both science and art. On view March 28th – June 8th, 2025.

Artwork by: Maria Amorette Klos, 2024

Explore The Art of Nature
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The Art of Nature is supported by

4/25 Earth Day Special: Sea Glass Art

Go green this Earth Day by creating a work of art from upcycled beach glass!

As part of this special seasonal offering, discover the beauty of beachcombing as you create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece made from shoreline treasures. Using local and sustainably-sourced resources, participants will learn the basics of environmental sculpture and design with step-by-step instruction. Transform sea glass, driftwood, and botanicals into unique, coastal-inspired art. 

In this workshop, you create an 8×10 sea glass scene that adds a local touch of coastal charm to your home. Join us for a creative experience and leave with a finished framed piece that captures the magic of the shoreline. Perfect for a holiday gift, a personal home decoration, or an activity to be shared with friends or family.

No prior art experience required. Participants will have a completed art piece to take home at the conclusion of the workshop. Open to ages 21+/all experience levels. All art supplies included.

This class takes place indoors. Supplies may get messy, so casual attire is recommended.

📆 Friday, April 25th

⏱️ 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

📍 Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

1305 East Cliff DR, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Register

Materials Fee: All supplies are included in class fee.

Class Fee: $45 – Museum Members receive a special discounted price applied at checkout.

Instructor: Stephanie Spross

4/23 Art of Nature Workshop: Birds in Gouache

As part of this Art of Nature special, learn from one of the featured exhibitors on how to capture the intricate beauty of birds.

Spotlighting local Santa Cruz species as models, participants will learn how to paint the nuanced features of these stunning seasonal subjects. In addition to learning the painting techniques, participants will also learn how to be a naturalist when it comes to bird identification and observation.

Learn the basics of gouache and watercolor with step-by-step instruction by a master naturalist and artist. Apply your observations to hue, composition, brush techniques, color theory, color-mixing, layering, creating a palette, and more. This class is perfect for aspiring artists or creative nature lovers with no prior experience, only a passion for the arts and sciences.

No prior experience required. Participants will have a completed art piece to take home at the conclusion of the workshop. Open to ages 16+/all experience levels. All supplies included.

This class takes place indoors. Supplies may get messy, so casual attire is recommended.

📆 Wednesday, April 23rd

⏱️ 6 – 8 p.m.

📍 Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

1305 East Cliff DR, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Register
Materials Fee: All supplies are included in class fee.
Class Fee: $45 – Museum Members receive a special discounted price applied at checkout.
Instructor: Maria Klos

About the Exhibit: The Art of Nature

Scientific illustration brings to life the wonders of nature, from minute zooplankton to extinct megafauna. Explore the beauty and fine details of the world around us in the special exhibit featuring works from 46 local artists in a variety of mediums, all sure to inspire curiosity and deepen connections with science and nature. The Museum has been exhibiting science illustration since 1989 and this beloved annual show is guaranteed to appeal to lovers of both science and art. On view March 28th – June 8th, 2025.

Artwork by: Maria Amorette Klos, 2024

Explore The Art of Nature
Explore All Events

The Art of Nature is supported by

4/20 Earth Day Special: Birding Photography

Learn to appreciate the diverse bird populations of Santa Cruz through a camera lens.

Level-up your birding by applying photography tips, tricks, and techniques to capture these animals in action.     

Guided by an expert nature photographer, this open-air workshop will lead you on a nature walk to find inspiration from native fauna for your photography. In addition to photographing birds, participants will learn tips on photographic composition, color theory, seasonal lighting, camera techniques, framing your feathery subjects, and honing in on your creative eye while out in nature.   

Open to ages 16+/all experience levels. Both cameras and smartphones are welcome. 

This class takes place outside. Dress appropriately for the outdoors.

📆 Sunday, April 20th

⏱️ 3 – 5 p.m.

📍  Old Cove Landing Trail

Register

Materials Fee: Participants must bring their own cameras or smartphones. All other supplies are included in the class fee.

Class Fee: $38 – Museum Members receive a special discounted price applied at checkout.

Instructor: Mark August Esguerra – Nature Photographer

4/19 Earth Day Rockin’ Pop Up!

Looking for a GNEISS way to spend your weekend? Well, you won’t want to take this special event for GRANITE! 

Celebrate Earth Day with a rockin’ afternoon at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. Join geologists from University of California, Santa Cruz to share your mineralogical marvels and get them identified inside the Museum’s galleries. 

What can you bring: Rocks, fossils, gems, and minerals are all welcome! Feel free to bring as many samples as you like, but depending on the crowd, we may implement a 3-rock maximum for identification.

There will be no formal presentation, so drop-by anytime between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.

📆 Saturday, April 19th

⏱️ 12 – 2 p.m.

📍 Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

1305 East Cliff DR, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Learn More

Price: This special event is Free with Admission. $5 Adults | $3 Students and Seniors | Free for Youth Under 18 | Free for Museum Members.