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.
Go outside and learn to paint gouache and watercolor landscapes while surrounded by nature as inspiration. This open-air art workshop will teach … Read more
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.
Go outside and learn to paint gouache and watercolor landscapes while surrounded by nature as inspiration. This open-air art workshop will teach … 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 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.
Go outside and learn to paint gouache and watercolor landscapes while surrounded by nature as inspiration. This open-air art workshop will teach … 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 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.
Go outside and learn to paint gouache and watercolor landscapes while surrounded by nature as inspiration. This open-air art workshop will teach … Read more
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.
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.
Go outside and learn to paint gouache and watercolor landscapes while surrounded by nature as inspiration. This open-air art workshop will teach … Read more
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.
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.
Go outside and learn to paint gouache and watercolor landscapes while surrounded by nature as inspiration. This open-air art workshop will teach … Read more
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.
Find our pop-up mobile museums at events around Santa Cruz County and beyond!
About the Event:
Artists and art-lovers, this one’s for you! Join us at Wilder Ranch State Park on April 26th from 11-4 for our new special event: Art in the Park!
This event is free, day-use parking is $10.
4/26 Wilder Ranch’s Art in the Park
Find the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History at Wilder Ranch’s Art in the Park! We’ll be hosting environmentally-inspired art activities and displaying beautiful artifacts from our collections.
Come celebrate the incredible artistic talent we have in our community, especially artists inspired by nature. Bring your art supply of choice and get creative, or take a peek at the park through an artists eyes if you’re not feeling artistic. Enjoy fun activities, participate in mini-workshops, get to know local artists and art organizations by visiting booths, and soak up the spring sun. We hope to see you there! Rain cancels.
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
The wait is over! After a three-year hiatus, we are thrilled to announce that the Santa Cruz Fungus Fair is returning to London Nelson this January. The Museum is proud to be co-presenting this 50th Anniversary celebration with the Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz who helped us launch the inaugural event at the Museum in 1974. Together we’re bringing back this unique Santa Cruz institution for what we hope is its best year yet!
Mark your calendars for January 12-14, 2024 and visit ffsc.us for more information.
Come to Santa Cruz and explore the facinating world of Fungi. Learn interesting and fun facts about the hundreds of beautiful and fascinating species of mushrooms found in the Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay Area. Fungi will be beautifully displayed in a re-created woodland habitat. This unique Santa Cruz tradition features three days of fantastic fun, informative speakers and demonstrations, with fungal activities for the whole family.
The Fungus Fair is held each year in January in Santa Cruz at the London Nelson Community Center. This three day event features hundreds of species of local fungi presented in a unique fashion, and draws thousands of visitors each year. The Fair showcases speakers, a special Kids’ Room, and a taxonomy panel for identification of fungi you find. Many books and mushroom-related items are available for sale, as are wild mushroom delicacies.
Did you know that without fungus, we’d have no bread, cheese, beer, or wine? Or that anti-cholesterol medicine was developed from mushrooms? Come to the Santa Cruz Fungus Fair to learn all there is to know about the fascinating world of mushrooms.
This unique Santa Cruz tradition features fantastic fungus fun for the whole family. Bring the kids and stroll through a re-created woodland forest displaying hundreds of wild mushrooms; the Fungus Fair also features a special room full of hands-on activities for the kids, including fungus exploration tables, clay mushroom building, face painting, and more!
The unique ecosystem of the Bay Area’s coastal redwoods provides an ideal setting for mushrooms to flourish. Join us for a cap-tivating online event as we explore and uncover more about the fungal landscape. 🍄
In collaboration with Peninsula Open Space Trust, we invite you to a special online event featuring guest speaker Christian Schwarz, co-author of “Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast.” Whether you’re a fungi first-timer or fanatic, Christian will guide us through the fundamentals of mushroom science and share his insights on these remarkable organisms. This event will be tailored for audiences in high school and beyond.
Join POST, SCMNH, and mushroom scientist Christian Schwarz for an informational tour through the fungal landscape in the Bay Area. This 90-minute webinar will be interactive and provide the audience with many opportunities to spore their curiosity by asking our speaker your fungi-est questions. We can’t wait for you to come along with us on this journey to uncover all the mysteries about mushrooms. Register to receive instructions on how to join us for this fantastic fungal virtual event.
Eager to start learning about mushrooms? Check out POST’s blog about 9 Wild Mushrooms Worth Remembering to get you started – there might be a pop quiz during the event!
Cover photo by Christian Schwarz
About the Speaker
Christian Schwarz studied Ecology and Evolution at UC Santa Cruz, where his interest in the world of fungi became irrevocable – their seemingly endless forms (from the grotesque to the bizarre to the sublime) feed his curiosity. He is co-author of Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast, and now spends his time seeking, photographing, collecting, teaching about, and publishing research on the macrofungi of California and Arizona. He is Collections Lead for the California Fungal Diversity Survey, and is a research associate of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. He has also served on the IUCN Red List Working Group for North American Fungi, advocating for habitat conservation focused on fungi. He is passionate about biodiversity in general, and especially in the philosophy and practice of community science (especially through the use of iNaturalist).
Meet the Co-Hosts
The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting people with nature and science to inspire stewardship of the natural world. Founded on the collection of naturalist Laura Hecox, it is the oldest public museum in Santa Cruz, founded in 1905. The Museum features hands-on educational exhibits and events indoors, outdoors, and online for people of all ages to discover and learn about the natural history of this region. Learn more about the Museum and plan your visit at santacruzmuseum.org. We invite you to follow the Museum on social media for updates about events and the natural wonders of our region.
Peninsula Open Space Trust protects and cares for open space, farms and parkland in the Peninsula and South Bay. Since 1977, POST has protected over 86,000 acres in San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz Counties.
Find our pop-up mobile museums at events around Santa Cruz County and beyond! About the Event: Artists and art-lovers, this one’s for … Read more
Go green this Earth Day by creating a work of art from upcycled beach glass! As part of this special seasonal offering, … Read more
Let’s go to the beach and learn to paint in oils! In recognition of Earth Day, learn how to use oil paints … Read more
Go outside and learn to paint gouache and watercolor landscapes while surrounded by nature as inspiration. This open-air art workshop will teach … 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
