Scientific illustration brings to life the wonders of nature, from diminutive sea slugs to entire ecosystems. 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.
Exhibit Events
- [Sold Out] 3/23 Intro to Plein Air Painting – Sandhills
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 - 3/26 Plein Air in Plain Sight – The Legacy of Santa Cruz Nature Painting
Santa Cruz has been an outdoor painting hotspot since the 1890’s, well-known across the nation as a destination for exploring art while … Read more - 3/28 Member Opening Reception: The Art of Nature
Join us for the exclusive opening of our beloved, annual exhibit, The Art of Nature! Scientific illustration brings to life the wonders … Read more - 4/4 The Art of Nature: 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 … Read more - 4/12 Scientific Illustration & Observation in Watercolors
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 - 4/18 Art of Nature Workshop: Butterflies in Watercolor
As part of this Springtime special, get up close and personal with the art of arthropods! Featuring beautiful insect displays, from the … Read more
Exhibit Artists
Alyssa Colasanti
Andrea Dingeldein
Anela Mendoza
Anna Pedersen
Arin Vasquez
Avalon Conklin
Brett Bell
Brittany Costanzo
Brynna Reilly
Cady DeLay
Calene Luczo Fletcher
Chloe Rickards
Claudia Stevens
Elizabeth Romanini
Erin E. Hunter
Erin Ellis
Evelyn Lam
Gianna Nourok
Hannah Caisse
Kaelin O’Hare
Karina Neeley
Katie McCullough
Khenya Clark
Kiwi (Catherine) Cyr
Kylene Gilmore
Lauren Ringelman
Maia Perry
Mari Stauffer-Howard
Maria Amorette Klos
Maria Cecilia Freeman
Mason Schratter
Megan Gnekow
Michelle Waters
Molly Brown
Natalie Chan
Nicholas Ta
Nina Lutz
Rachel Diaz-Bastin
Reid Psaltis
Sami Chang
Sarah Brothers Bot
Suzanne Clark
Tina Curiel
Tina Fuller Somers
Torie Robinson
Vance Lawry
Educational Resources
Videos
Lecture on Exploring Art and Science
In this full length lecture, artist and educator Andrea Dingeldein details the long history of scientific illustration, from cave paintings to today.
Art for Conservation
During this lecture with artist Megan Gnekow, we explore how understanding and communicating food webs and other ecological relationships can help put some favorite (and famous!) creatures into context. You’ll also learn how creative use of science illustration can help tell these stories.
Art+Science to Understand Joshua Tree Species
In this talk, Dr. Juniper Harrower shares her multimedia art and ecological research practice that investigates the impacts of climate change on Joshua trees and their critical symbiotic partners — a clever moth pollinator and an underground community of mycorrhizal fungi.
How a Botanical Artist Looks at a Rose
Learn how to get to know a rose in order to illustrate it. During this online lecture, Maria Cecilia Freeman demonstrates how to draw and paint petals, leaves, and other parts that help distinguish a rose.
From Sketch to Skin
In this Sketch to Skin video, watch the process Yvonne Byers uses for her science illustration tattoos. It begins with studying her subject, followed by sketching, and then translating it onto a human canvas.
Lecture on Visualizing Science
Where does illustrator end, and infographer begin? How does data visualization fit in? And what does science have to say about the design decisions we make? Jen Christiansen hopes to get folks thinking about what they can learn from — and teach to — different visual sub-disciplines within the broader orb of science communication.
Ask an Artist with Megan Gnekow
During this livestream event, the Museum’s Public Programs Manager interviews science illustrator Megan Gnekow, about the intersection of art and science with her work. Megan’s work has regularly been on exhibit in “The Art of Nature.”
Shop Scientific Illustration
Visit our gift shop or Online Museum Store to find your ideal print, card, sticker and more featuring scientific illustration from local artists. Your purchase supports the Museum and our arts community.
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