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Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History

santacruzmah.org

Museum of art and History

705 Front St
Santa Cruz, California 95060
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firstfridaysantacruz

Explore the lively Santa Cruz County art scene every month on the First Friday Art Tour!
First Friday is APRIL 4 ✨
Register your event here ⬇️

Have you been to @bigbasinvinyards yet?! Our te

Have you been to @bigbasinvinyards yet?!

Our team got to check out Corals & Florals: A Love Story in Clay by @liljenceramicdesign. This gallery will be up to view through April as well.

Susann Winter of Liljen Ceramic Design, creates floral and coral inspired wall-hanging sculptures alongside contemporary ceramic pieces. A lot of patience and love goes into each piece, ensuring every collector owns something truly one-of-a-kind.

Within the space is also resident artist @randiesilverstein glass and light installation, “Looking Up” and is best viewed at dusk.

✨Mark your calendars! First Friday is April 4th.
Want to host an event? Register at 🔗 FirstFridaySantaCruz.com/participate/host-an-event/ 🔗 [Link in bio!]
The deadline to register is March 27th by midnight.
#firstfridaysantacruz #firstfriday

🎥🎞️ @wendyspresso
Thumbnail 📸 @oneisallart

Thank you for the invitation @visitsantacruz !!

Thank you for the invitation @visitsantacruz !!

What an exciting launch for the 2025 - 2026 visitors magazine.

The event at @radiusgallery was lovely as always too!

🍀 Did you make it out for First Friday, March 7

🍀 Did you make it out for First Friday, March 7th? 🍀

We did! Our team made our way to a handful of our registered venues.

First stop was @santacruzclay for their group show. If you haven’t been over to Santa Cruz Clay, make your way over there! The environment is warm, inviting, and inspiring.

@stockwellcellars was up next, to view the featured award-winning wildlife photography by Kevin Lohman, @kevinlohmanphotography

We headed over to @bigbasinvinyards for Corals & Florals: A Love Story in Clay by @liljenceramicdesign & resident artist @randiesilverstein glass work installations.

solaire @hotelparadox to see the works of @abimustapha – her cosmic and spiritual collage art stole the show!

We rounded out the evening with a visit to the @santacruzmah for @accidentallywesanderson – Adventures in Santa Cruz — and it was an evening we won’t forget!

✨Want to host an event for the next First Friday?
Register at 🔗 FirstFridaySantaCruz.com/participate/host-an-event/ 🔗 [Link in bio!]
#firstfridaysantacruz #firstfriday

🎥🎞️ @wendyspresso

Feeling lucky!? Downtown Santa Cruz is like the po

Feeling lucky!? Downtown Santa Cruz is like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow every First Friday….Rich with art, music, and local goodies!
See you down there tomorrow!

Special shoutout to our newest Venue, OM Gallery | @omgallery_santacruz
Gateway Through the Foliage by @caseyglovinfineart

The MAH | @santacruzmah
@accidentallywesanderson – Adventures in Santa

@solaire_sc & @hotelparadox
Featuring the collage work by local artist @abimustapha and celebrates National Women’s Month.

@mkcontemporary.art
Curious Times - showcasing the vibrant, quirky, and humorous work of eight talented artists from Santa Cruz and the Bay Area. @andreabelcruzart , @dhookersantacruz , @beetleblossom , @zoyascholis , @riyaz_mohammed9 , @mattieleedspottery , @chrismiroyanart @liviasteinart.

@artisansscruz
Sea Love - ‘Every year we are proud to honor our good friend and amazing artist Doug Ross.’

@felixkulpagallery
Felix Kulpa Gallery Presents: ‘You Don’t Know Me,’ A Solo Exhibit by Sculptor @jcsculpture1

@tumbleweed.found
Tumbleweed Found Presents: Applied Arts: Works of Salvage by @pollock_janet

@thevisionsanctuary
The Vision Sanctuary Presents: ‘The Wilderwilds’ - Official opening of the Wilderwilds gift shop. @the_wilderwilds

@botanicandluxe
Botanic and Luxe presents: @followthesunart

@bigbasinvineyards
At Big Basin Vineyards Wine Bar: Corals & Florals: A Love Story in Clay by Susann Winter

@nicely.santacruz
Nicely Presents: FULL to the BRIM - A collection of works

@homelessgardenproject_store
Join us for a special First Friday event with artist Natalia Aandewiel, a classically trained artist from Ukraine, as she showcases her beautiful artwork at our store.

@santacruzartexpressions
Let the music move you—come be part of the magic! @kellifoss_studio

✨Want to host an event?
Register at 🔗 FirstFridaySantaCruz.com/participate/host-an-event/ 🔗 [Link in bio!]
#firstfridaysantacruz #firstfriday

It’s Wednesday, and the WESTSIDE is poppin this

It’s Wednesday, and the WESTSIDE is poppin this month! First Friday in 3…2…1! ❤️

Santa Cruz Clay | @Santacruzclay
Featuring Fantastic Friends at Santa Cruz Clay!

Bottle Jack Winery | @bottlejackwine
An evening of art by Michael Armstrong, @Michaelarmstrongfineart and Wine at the Silver Mountain/Bottle Jack Wine Tasting Room!

R. Blitzer Gallery | @rblitzergallery
R Blitzer Gallery Presents: Joohee Kim Miller Paintings. Stop by the Old Wrigley Building on Santa Cruz’s vibrant westside and visit R. Blitzer Gallery

The Loft | @theloftsantacruz
Featuring Mosaics of Barbara Gerry, @barbaragerry and Fused Glass Jewelry of Helena Powell, @helena.powell2

Stockwell Cellars | @stockwellcellars
Featuring the award-winning wildlife photographer Kevin Lohman, @kevinlohmanphotography

Institute of Arts and Sciences, UCSC | @ucscias
UCSC IAS Presents: The First Open-Mic Night at the Institute of the Arts and Sciences!

🎨✨ check out the full lineup of events around the county on our website !!🔗 FirstFridaysSantaCruz.com/ 🔗 in bio!

#firstfridaysantacruz #firstfriday

❤️🗓️ Save the date! 🗓️❤️ First F

❤️🗓️ Save the date! 🗓️❤️
First Friday is March 7th from 5-9pm

What is First Friday?! On the first Friday of every month, Santa Cruz galleries, shops, wineries, breweries, restaurants, and art spaces open their doors to showcase the works of Santa Cruz County artists.
Artists show work in a variety of media and are often there ready to share and talk about their work!

“First Friday gives the community an opportunity to explore our creative culture and experience the vibrant and thriving energy of the Santa Cruz art scene.” - @bree.karpavage, Director of First Friday Santa Cruz

Get ready for an exciting night out! The lively, bustling energy throughout town has become a well-known and highly anticipated monthly event. The hardest part? Seeing it all!

Big thanks to local designer Ted Holladay for this beautiful graphic | @studioholladay

✨Want to host an event?
Register at 🔗 FirstFridaySantaCruz.com/participate/host-an-event/ 🔗 [Link in bio!]

#firstfridaysantacruz #firstfriday

It’s Tuesday! Let’s start this week off with s

It’s Tuesday! Let’s start this week off with some creativity! 💕

Did you happen to make it out to @mkcontemporary.art this last first Friday?! It was such a treat!

Their exhibition ‘Curious Times’ features vibrant, quirky, and humorous work by @andreabelcruzart , @dhookersantacruz , @beetleblossom , @zoyascholis , @riyaz_mohammed9 , @mattieleedspottery , @chrismiroyanart @liviasteinart.

Save the date! 🗓️ ❤️The next First Friday will be March 7th.

🎨✨ Want to showcase your own event with First Friday?! Register at 🔗 FirstFridaysSantaCruz.com/participate/host-an-event/ 🔗 in bio!

—
🎥🎞️Video by Wendyspresso
📸Thumbnail by @oneisallart

✨❤️✨ We want to extend a warm welcome to o

✨❤️✨ We want to extend a warm welcome to our newest Artists in the First Friday registry! ✨❤️✨

Susan Taylor Brown | @susantaylorbrown
‘I am a self-taught fiber artist inspired by the natural world. My signature Wildscapes—miniature, tactile landscapes—stem from a deep-rooted connection to the lush environment just beyond my studio door.’

Claus Enevoldsen | @cenevoldsen_art
‘As a self-taught painter and digital artist, I draw inspiration from the bold techniques of action painters, the profound expressions of abstract expressionists, and the refined simplicity of minimalists.’

Casey Glovin | @caseyglovinfineart
Blurring the lines between the natural world and creative interpretation, Casey Glovin offers viewers a memorable and immersive visual experience.

Amanda Bird | A. Bird Painting
Paints for ‘the sake of painting and sharing in hopes that their art brings joy to others.’ Amanda is a wastewater professional by day and a hobbyist oil painter in her personal life.

Bria Nathan | @labria.tarpitz
‘Santa Cruz raised, barefoot gardener, dopamine dresser, forager of moments... particularly the teeny tiny moments that captivate. Never perfect, always authentic.’

Megan Kellie | @imdrawinghere
Megan Kellie is an artist, writer and director based in Santa Cruz and Chicago.
She approaches painting with a sense of play and likes to mix humor, expressiveness, and color all on a surface.

Interested in becoming a Registered First Friday Artist?
Go to https://firstfridaysantacruz.com/participate/join-artists-registery/

Mark your Calendars for our Next First Friday! March 7th. Want to register your event? The hard deadline for listings this month is on Wednesday, February 26 by midnight. Go to https://firstfridaysantacruz.com

Hey art lovers! 😍😘 As you know, we’ve bee

Hey art lovers! 😍😘

As you know, we’ve been making the rounds to visit our incredible venues. This week we wanted to take a second to appreciate @radiusgallery at the @tanneryartscenter —

@radiusgallery had an outstanding opening reception for their current show, ‘The Hyatt Collection’ which will be available to see from February 5th to March 2nd, 2025.

Regular gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday, from 12-5pm and by appointment located at 1050 river st. studio 127 ✨
This is a body of artwork collected by the late Carolyn Hyatt, a former member of the community, an advocate for the arts and a lover of animals.

Her family will be donating proceeds from this exhibition to organizations that Carolyn supported.

If you can get over there to experience this space, you should! The works on display are unique in every way. There’s also TWO original Andy Warhol pieces up for viewing!

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✨

Save the date! 🗓️ ❤️The next First Friday will be March 7th.

🎨✨ Want to showcase your own event with First Friday?! Register at 🔗 FirstFridaysSantaCruz.com/participate/host-an-event/ 🔗 in bio!

📸Thumbnail by @oneisallart
🎥🎞️ video by @wendyspresso

Huge thanks to everyone who went out last First Fr

Huge thanks to everyone who went out last First Friday to show support and appreciation for all the incredible venues and artists we have in Santa Cruz.

Everywhere our team went, it was bustling with people, laughter, and conversation.

Featured in this video, our team made it out to
@mkcontemporary.art for their new exhibition ‘Curious Times’ featuring vibrant, quirky, and humorous work by @andreabelcruzart , @dhookersantacruz , @beetleblossom , @zoyascholis , @riyaz_mohammed9 , @mattieleedspottery , @chrismiroyanart , @liviasteinart

✨

@radiusgallery was up next, with their current show, ‘The Hyatt Collection’ which will be available to see from February 5th to March 2nd, 2025. This is a body of artwork collected by the late Carolyn Hyatt, a former member of the community, an advocate for the arts and a lover of animals. Her family will be donating proceeds from this exhibition to organizations that Carolyn supported.

We also made our way into gallery 122 to check out incredible hand made pottery pieces, at the @tanneryartscenter

—
To wrap up the night we caught the tail end of @brettbolton ‘s performance at @visualendeavors - an audiovisual performance and interactive installation at the @theoldwrigleybuilding

Save the date! 🗓️ ❤️The next First Friday will be March 7th.

🎨✨ Want to showcase your own event with First Friday?! Register at 🔗 FirstFridaysSantaCruz.com/participate/host-an-event/ 🔗 in bio!

—
🎥🎞️Video by @wendyspresso
📸Thumbnail by @oneisallart

Hey art lovers! 👋♥️ Santa Cruz County has s

Hey art lovers! 👋♥️ Santa Cruz County has some great experiences lined up this month.

We also want to extend a warm welcome to our newest venue in the First Friday Family: Cabrillo College - @cabrillocollege
Celebrate Black History Month and join us at Cabrillo College’s new mural unveiling, with featured guest instructor Abi Mustapha | @abimustapha, centering Black history, culture, and the Santa Cruz region. 5–7 PM in the Cabrillo College Cafeteria.
✨✨✨

♥️Santa Cruz Art League | @santacruzartleague
Join us for an exciting First Friday reception! Movement: A Moment in Time is a nationwide photography exhibition, juried by Santa Cruz local Devi Pride | @devipridephotography

♥️Live Oak Refillery | @liveoakrefillery
Come join the Live Oak Refillery along with featured artists from Hope Studio | @hopeservicessj for a beautiful experience with loom weavers, colorful pen drawings, delicious food and beverages, and a lot of fun community.

♥️Miritz & Bailey Real Estate | @miritzrealestateinc
Come join us for the artist reception, where you’ll have the chance to experience Simona Wheatfall’s | @simona_wheatfall_art stunning artwork. Simona’s pieces are a feast for the senses, blending intricate, organic forms that evoke the natural world.

♥️Treehouse Dispensary | @treehousedispensary_sc
We hope you can make it to our Valentine’s First Friday of 2025! Stop by & enjoy great music, great deals on cannabis, great gift opportunities from local artisans, & great community.

♥️Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History | @santacruzmuseum
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!

♥️Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center | @scmartcenter
This exhibit invited the artists to submit their takes on the theme of water. Join us for the Opening Reception to cast votes for your favorite pieces!

🔗 If you’re interested in booking your venue or gallery to be showcased for First Friday, register at FirstFridaySantaCruz.com/Participate 🖱️💻

✨ What’s Happening on the Westside ✨First Fr

✨ What’s Happening on the Westside ✨First Friday is almost here...are you ready for a night out?

♥️ Visual Endeavors | @visualendeavors
Brett Bolton | @brettbolton will be debuting a new interactive installation made just for the space, where you’ll have the chance to control parts of the music and visuals from his latest piece, Subdivision.

♥️ R. Blitzer Gallery | @rblitzergallery
Lucky: happening by chance, fortuitous, favorable. Paintings, sculptures, photography and more in @theoldwrigleybuilding

♥️ Satori | @satori.arts.sc
Join us for an evening with Featured Poet, Michael Phan. For the past 15 years, he has participated in several online poetry communities that offer prompts, feedback, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging.

♥️ Stockwell Cellars | @stockwellcellars
Join us for an unforgettable evening as we showcase the captivating abstract art of Maria Rossi. - @mrossi25

🔗 Check out all the happenings at firstfridaysantacruz.com 🔗 in our bio.

🔗 If you’re interested in booking your venue or gallery to be showcased for First Friday, register at FirstFridaySantaCruz.com/Participate 🖱️💻

Happy Friday! ♥️Next week is FIRST FRIDAY! Fe

Happy Friday! ♥️Next week is FIRST FRIDAY!

February 7th, we have a lot of fun things happening in Downtown Santa Cruz… Date Night?! 👀💌♥️

💌 Minnow Arts | @minnow.arts
The closing reception of “Strange Weather (Sun King vs. Rain King) works by Laamsha Young & War Clubs Matt Culver

♥️Artisans & agency | @artisansscruz
Hearts for the Arts is back! This annual silent auction support Arts Education programming from Arts Council Santa Cruz County. 60+ work have been donated by local artists for the cause! Stop by and place a bid!

💌Felix Kulpa Gallery | @felixkulpagallery
Felix Kulpa Gallery Presents: ‘You Don’t Know Me,’ A Solo Exhibit by Sculptor Jennifer Cannon.

♥️M.K. Contemporary Art | @mkcontemporary.art
Our new exhibition, *Curious Times*, featuring vibrant, quirky, and humorous work by eight talented artists.

💌Botanic and Luxe | @botanicandluxe
@embracingannagail – First Friday at Botanic and Luxe

♥️Nicely | @nicely.santacruz
Please join us in the gallery for an amazing show with work from legendary artists and local artists alike.

💌Big Basin Vineyards & Wine Bar | @bigbasinvineyards
Big Basin Vineyards Wine Bar exhibits Ercilia Medeiros @ercilia_art, an Azorean-American mixed media painter.

♥️The Vision Sanctuary | @thevisionsanctuary
The Vision Sanctuary Presents: @deniseannkiser exhibition titled “Love to Grow”

💌Santa Cruz Art Expressions | @santacruzartexpressions
Step into a night of art, rhythm, and connection! Explore works by local artists and take a peek inside @kellifoss_studio studio.

♥️The Homeless Garden Project Downtown Store | @homelessgardenproject_store
Homeless Garden Project Presents: The breathtaking photography of Richard Curtin

💌Picture Appeal | @pictureappeal
Picture Appeal Presents: An exclusive selection of framed mini pastels by Paul Fortis

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Check the 🔗in our bio - firstfridaysantacruz.com for the full listing of events!

#firstfridaysantacruz

💌 As January comes to a close, we’re getting

💌 As January comes to a close, we’re getting SUPER excited for our favorite day of the month….First Friday!

February 7th is around the corner and we’ve got a whole lot of LOVELY events happening…

♥️ Pre-game Valentines Day with your loved one and check out some local art!

Pictured upcoming First Friday experiences:
@santacruzartleague
studio 122 at the Tannery
@Visualendeavors
@Pictureappeal

✨
Let’s get you ready for YOUR First Friday!
Register today at 🔗 https://firstfridaysantacruz.com/participate/join-artists-registery/ 🔗 in bio!

As January comes to a close…. We reminisce one m

As January comes to a close…. We reminisce one more time.

Jan 3rd First Friday was a fantastic way to go into the new year!
One of our favorite highlights: celebrating Santa Cruz Mushroom Month at @artisansscruz….

mark your calendars! The next First Friday is February 7th. 🖤❤️ @artisansscruz is hosting their Hearts for the Arts fundraiser - you won’t want to miss it!

Where else should we visit on Feb 7th? 🧐💭

🎥🎞️ @wendyspresso
📸 thumbnail @oneisallart

Into The Wilderwilds… our first blog of the year

Into The Wilderwilds… our first blog of the year!

We took a deep dive into @the_wilderwilds, a world designed by long-time friends and makers, @rosebud_wild and @chris_mountain_creative.

The Wilderwilds Gift Shop and Mini Mini Gift Shop can be found inside the @thevisionsanctuary in downtown Santa Cruz, Wednesday to Friday 2pm - 6pm at 313 Cedar Street ST A, Santa Cruz CA.

Interested in reading the blog? Tap the 🔗 in our bio!

Sign up for our newsletter to get monthly emails about shows and featured artists, as well as our blog updates.

💻💬Written by @wendyspresso