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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
5/17 Wild & Scenic Film Festival with the Peninsula Open Space Trust
Join the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History as we team up with the Peninsula Open Space Trust for an unforgettable evening at the 2025 Wild & Scenic Film Festival. Inspiring environmental films, live music, and an engaging Community Fair all come together for a night of fun and environmental connections!
The Wild & Scenic Film Festival is the largest film festival of its kind, showcasing the best and brightest in environmental and adventure films. Festival viewers can expect to see award-winning, environmentally inspired short films and learn more about POST and our partners’ work here on the Peninsula and in the South Bay.
Details of the Festival:
Date: Saturday, May 17th
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: The Smithwick Theatre is located at Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
Cost: Free, limited space
Activities to Enjoy:
A scenic train ride through the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains
Guided hikes in partnership with Henry Cowell State Park
Live music
Food trucks
5/18 The Redwoods Festival with the Sempervirens Fund
Join the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History as we team up with the Sempervirens Fund to celebrate 125 years of protecting redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains!
Hosted among the redwoods at the historic Roaring Camp, our first-ever Redwoods Festival will celebrate the redwoods. A day filled with fun, connection, and a celebration of the incredible work we’ve accomplished together to protect these majestic redwood forests
Details of the Festival:
Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Roaring Camp, 5401 Graham Hill Rd, Felton, CA 95018
This past summer, the Museum bid farewell to long-time Live Animal Caretaker volunteer Marcus Anderson. As a child, Marcus visited the Museum regularly and from such a young age that studying its taxidermied specimens and live kingsnake Prometheus were among his first childhood memories. At age 13, Marcus became the Museum’s Live Animal Caretaker, looking after the Museum’s bees, Prometheus, and tidepool touch tank for five years. These experiences ignited a lifelong passion for animals, laying the groundwork for his future in zoology.
Since the age of 2, Marcus has had a profound fascination with Prometheus, who became more than just a subject of study; he became a friend and a source of inspiration.
Here they are pictured with the beloved California Kingsnake July, 2024 at the end of Marcus’ Volunteer journey.
Prometheus, died October 6th, at the remarkable age of 27. A cherished member of our community since 1997, Prometheus was a beloved fixture among our exhibits, delighting generations of visitors with his striking appearance and engaging presence. Prometheus far exceeded the expected lifespan for a kingsnake in the wild, serving as a testament to the exceptional care he received from our dedicated staff. His longevity allowed him to become an integral part of the Museum’s educational mission, inspiring countless guests to learn more about reptiles and their ecosystems.
Marcus’ connection to Prometheus deepened his desire to understand reptiles, a commitment he solidified through rigorous academic pursuits. While being homeschooled, Marcus sought out additional learning opportunities, enrolling in courses at Cabrillo College. Completing an impressive 48 units per semester, he delved into subjects like Animal Behavior, enriching his understanding and fueling his passion for zoology.
Upon graduating high school, Marcus’s dedication and volunteerism did not go unnoticed. He was recruited by the University of Wyoming’s Department of Zoology and Physiology, earning a prestigious scholarship through the Tomé Scholars Program, along with a travel stipend for research. Excited about the journey ahead, he plans to travel to Australia, the Canary Islands, and Patagonia, aiming to expand his knowledge of reptiles in their natural habitats. These experiences will not only enhance his education but also empower him to become a more effective advocate for wildlife conservation.
Reflecting on his time at the Museum, Marcus shared how volunteering was his first real exposure to the field of zoology, igniting his dream of working with animals and fostering a deep respect for all living creatures.
“Volunteering at the Museum was my first introduction to zoology–when I realized I wanted to work with all the cool animals … everytime I came in I got to see the cool animals, the taxidermies, it’s always fun”
– Marcus
As a dedicated future herpetologist and ophiologist, Marcus aspires to open a reptile center after earning his BS Dual Major in Zoology & Environment & Natural Science, focusing on three core divisions: research, rescue, and education. His dream is to create a sanctuary where people can learn about reptiles, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for these often misunderstood creatures. He believes that education is key to changing perceptions, and he is determined to help the public connect with reptiles in a meaningful way.
The Museum is immensely proud of Marcus and his journey. His dedication and respect for living creatures serve as a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on the world. As he embarks on this new chapter, Marcus embodies the spirit of curiosity and commitment that inspires us all to explore the wonders of nature and strive for a brighter future in wildlife conservation.
Find our pop-up mobile museums at events around Santa Cruz County and beyond! Activities to Enjoy: 5/17 Wild & Scenic Film Festival … Read more
Get to know Santa Cruz’s WILD SIDE at the Museum of Natural History. Nerd out on your night out during monthly after-hours … Read more
Love nature, science, and art but don’t know where to start? Here is your opportunity to master a new skill and bring … Read more
As part of this Art of Nature exhibit special, join an esteemed artist as you learn the science and art behind the … Read more
Join over 40 local Santa Cruz artists as they showcase their craftsmanship! We will be featuring a wide array of goods, ranging … Read more
What might look like sand to the untrained eye may be the missing clue in a paleontological puzzle. Microfossils are preserved remains, … Read more
