The Santa Cruz Art League
One of California’s most historic and enduring arts organizations, the Santa Cruz Art League inspires creativity and community through vibrant visual and performing arts.
Our mission to support visual and performing arts and artists through art education, exhibitions, and theatre has guided our actions for more than a century, and we hope to serve the arts community for centuries more.
Come Visit Us!
Open Hours:
Wednesday - Saturday, 12 pm - 5 pm
Closures:
Gallery Hours subject to change if closed for installation. View our Gallery Calendar here.
See What’s Happening!
Exhibitions
Our exhibitions are always free and open to the public to view!
Back and Forth: The Unintended Beauty of Textiles
March 4, 2026 – April 10, 2026
Fiber artists often remark about how they like the backside of fiber arts pieces are often quite beautiful in an unexpected, unintentional, and raw way. In this exhibit textile artists will be invited to show two pieces - one piece shown with the intended side visible, and the other piece shown exposing the backside.
68th Annual High School Show
April 22 - May 15, 2026
Since 1955, our annual High School Show has provided a professional gallery space for emerging artists across Santa Cruz County. This enduring tradition reflects the Art League’s grassroots commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists and inspiring them to dream big.
Classes
Become a SCAL member for a 12% discount on classes!
Classes
We’re excited to be offering a wide selection of classes from our wonderful team of instructors, with a variety of mediums including pastels, watercolors, oil and acrylic painting, and drawing and sketching! Our classroom welcomes all levels of students, from complete beginners to experienced artists. Take a look at our class listings to find the right one for you!
Critique Groups
Community and discussion are essential to artistic growth! Come join in on our monthly artistic discussion group to get constructive feedback on your art from a welcoming group of fellow artists.
Events
Our First Friday Receptions and Artist Talks are always free and open to all!
Artist Talk: Back and Forth
Saturday, March 14, 1:30 pm-3:00 pm
Join us for an Artist Talk with exhibition curator Jody Alexander to gain insight on this exhibition as a whole, the process of textile artwork, and the theme of Unintentional Beauty.
Clothesline Art Sale: A SCAL Fundraiser
Saturday, April 12, 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
We’re bringing back a SCAL tradition, with a fresh twist! Inspired by the original clothesline sales that allowed our founders to purchase this property and build the cinderblock building that is still standing today, this fundraising event is all about community spirit! Come by and bring home some beautiful artwork by local artists - at sale prices!
Become a Member
SCAL members enjoy discounted classes, higher commission rates, access to our exclusive member’s exhibition, and many other perks. Becoming a member of our nonprofit organization helps SCAL continue to provide a space for artists to exhibit and sell their work.
Contribute
Donate or volunteer with us to support your local arts community! The Santa Cruz Art League has always been a community-centered organization, and we rely on the generosity of our friends and members to continue providing a space for incredible artists.
Learn More
Curious about what SCAL can do for you? Check out our FAQ or read a bit about our history as one of California’s oldest art organizations.
If you have questions that aren’t answered on our website, we’d love to hear from you! Simply scroll to the bottom of this page and fill out our contact form.
Our Location
526 Broadway, Santa Cruz, Ca, 95060
Our convenient location is just minutes from downtown. Come visit us and explore our gift shop, gallery, and classrooms, as well as our blackbox theater!
Office Hours:
Wednesday-Saturday, 11am-5pm
Gallery Hours:
Wednesday-Saturday 12pm-5pm
*Gallery Hours subject to change if closed for installation. View our Gallery Calendar here.
Land Acknowledgement:
The Santa Cruz Art League is located on the unceded territory of the Awaswas-speaking Uypi Tribe. The Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, comprised of the descendants of indigenous people taken to missions Santa Cruz and San Juan Bautista during Spanish colonization of the Central Coast, is today working hard to restore traditional stewardship practices on these lands and heal from historical trauma.
Learn more about the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and support their efforts here:
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Email
admin@scal.org
Phone
(831) 426-5787
Image credits (top to bottom): Sharon Ferguson, Ed Penniman, Yeshe Jackson, Rafael DeSoto Jr., LaRhee Webster, Tyler Abshier