• Birds in Gouache

    Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

    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...

  • Earth Day Special: Birding Photography

    Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

    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....

  • Earth Day Rockin’ Pop Up!

    Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

    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. ...

  • Watercolor Entomology: Butterflies

    Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

    As part of this Springtime special, get up close and personal with the art of butterflies! Featuring beautiful insect displays, from the rarely seen insect taxidermy collection, this program is perfect for aspiring artists and entomologists alike. Taught by a professional entomological illustrator, this workshop will begin with a scientific presentation on insects before transitioning...

  • Scientific Illustration & Observation in Watercolors

    Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

    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. Learn the basics of watercolor and gouache with step-by-step instruction by a master scientific illustrator. After a nature walk to gain knowledge of local...

  • First Friday: The Art of Nature

    Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

    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 festivities from 5 – 8 p.m. Just like mixing a palette, we...

  • Horticulture Workshop: Living Springtime Wreath

    Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

    Let’s get festive with native flowers, succulents, and air plants! Celebrate Springtime and the wonder of wildflowers by crafting a living botanical wreath. This course will satisfy both plant and art lovers alike; learn the science of epiphytes while you design and mount native flowers, succulents, and air plants. Create a masterpiece for your seasonal decor or a treasured...

  • Plein Air in Plain Sight – The Legacy of Santa Cruz Nature Painting

    Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

    Santa Cruz has been an outdoor painting hotspot since the 1890’s, well-known across the nation as a destination for exploring art while surrounded by nature. In fact, the Seabright Community in particular has been an artistic hub for plein air painters for over a hundred years and continues to have a robust presence even today....