Must See! Visual Arts

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Art Studios and Galleries

Artwork created by local artists, are celebrated throughout the world. These include Lundberg Studios' art glass, Frans Lanting's nature photography, luster glass by Strini and the Annieglass dinnerware collection. Artists working in various mediums display their works in local studios and galleries, Made in Santa Cruz shops and at art festivals. Santa Cruz County Open Studio is held over three weekends in Oct. where a juried group of 275 artists open their studios for public viewing.

Santa Cruz County Cultural Council
831-475-9600, www.ccscc.org

Capitola Village

This charming village is the oldest planned vacation community on the Pacific Coast, and has welcomed visitors since the 1870s. Displays at the Capitola History Museum have photos and memorabilia from its early days and offers a self-guided map to historic sites. The village has many art galleries, specialty shops, restaurants and clubs. There are events, Summer Beach Twilight Concerts, and is home to the annual Begonia and Art & Wine festivals.

Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce 716-G Capitola Ave., Capitola.
831-475-6522, www.capitolasoquelchamber.com

Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County

This organization is an excellent arts community resource. It sponsors many art events, including Open Studios and the SPECTRA school art education program. Open M-F, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

2400 Chanticleer Ave., Ste G, Santa Cruz
831-475-9600, www.ccscc.org

Half Moon Bay

A secluded coastal farming community and commercial seaport, known for its annual Pumpkin Festival and Mavericks extreme surf championship event. It has a charming downtown, with a collection of galleries, antique stores, and gift shops.

Hwy 1, 48 miles North of Santa Cruz Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce
650-726-8380, www.halfmoonbaychamber.org

National Steinbeck Center

This museum celebrates the writings of John Steinbeck. The main gallery features interactive displays which blend his story narratives that are shown in motion picture clips and news video of historical events, many found in the Salinas Valley. The Valley of the World gallery focuses on Salinas Valley's agricultural history. You will find an art gallery, theater, restaurant, and store. Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m., closed some holidays.

35 miles southeast from Santa Cruz
One Main St., Salinas
831-796-3833, www.steinbeck.org

Pacific Avenue In Santa Cruz

A popular shopping, strolling, dining and entertainment area, anchored by three bookstores: Bookshop Santa Cruz, Logos Books and Records, and Borders Book Café. There are over 200 unique retail shops plus several clubs, talented street artists and many eateries.

Downtown Association of Santa Cruz
831-429-8433, www.downtownsantacruz.com

San Juan Bautista

Several historic landmarks and buildings, including the Mission San Juan Bautista, founded in 1797. California State Historic Park offers a glimpse into early settlement and ranching days along the El Camino Real.

33 miles Southeast from Santa Cruz
SJB Chamber of Commerce
831-623-2454, www.sjbchamber.com

Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium

Special events, concerts, and shows appear at this venue. Its box office serves many performing arts companies and special appearance artists.

307 Church St., Santa Cruz
(tickets) 831-420-5260, www.santacruztickets.com
www.santacruztickets.com

Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds

Events are held at various venues, which range from art exhibits and quilt shows to craft and trade fairs, concerts and reunions. A current event schedule can be found on its website.

Highway 152, Watsonville
831-724-5671, www.santacruzcountyfair.com

Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH)

The museum's history wing displays a timeline of the region's settlements, business, and cultural influences. There are docent tours of the museum and area historic sites. The museum's art wing features ever changing contemporary art. Open Tue.-Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The Museum Store is located in the historic Front Street octagon building. Open Tue.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun., noon-5 p.m.

705 Front Street, Santa Cruz
831-429-1964 (Museum), 831-454-9986 (Store), www.santacruzmah.org

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