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 our community for centuries to come.
Come Visit Us!
Open Hours:
Wednesday - Saturday, 12 pm - 5 pm
Closures:
Gallery Hours subject to change if closed for installation or a holiday. View our Gallery Calendar here.
See What’s Happening!
Exhibitions
Our exhibitions are always free and open to the public to view!
95th Annual Landscape Exhibition
July 15 - August 21, 2026
For nine decades, the Santa Cruz Art League’s Statewide Landscape Exhibition has showcased the work of artists who depict California’s foothills, mountains, seashores, and deserts of the interior and coastal regions. We’re proud to celebrate the beauty of our home state and the talent of its artists with this historic exhibition!
With Love, Examining Attachments and Emotion
September 2 - September 25, 2026
What does it look like to be loved? How do we know that we are significant to someone? Love is an experience that manifests in many forms. From the passion of romance, the warmth of family, or even the bitterness of heartbreak, this exhibition shows how artists in our community capture the ephemeral in physical form. We encourage representations of all types of love, including romantic, familial, communal, platonic, and any other form of love that is received or given in a meaningful way.
For all the ways that exist to love and be loved, there are infinitely many ways to experience these emotions and express them through art. In this exhibition, we aim to showcase a wide variety of interpretations and experiences.
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 are always free and open to all!
First Friday Opening Party - “Far Out”
Live music with Three of a Kind!
Special theme night attire encouraged: 1970s attire, funk out for “Far Out”!
Open Studios Satellite Preview Exhibition: North Coast & Santa Cruz Mountains
Friday, October 2, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
We are proud to host the North Coast & Santa Cruz Mountains preview exhibit for the 41st annual Open Studios! Visit our gallery to see a selection of works from artists in the farther reaches of North County who are participating in this year’s Open Studios tour. All work at the exhibition is for sale. Pop into the gallery, find artwork that intrigues you, and note which studios you want to visit during the North County weekend, October 10 & 11.
First Friday Viewing Party - Luck of the Draw
Come check out the exhibition that culminates in lucky community members taking home original, one-of-a-kind artworks, kindly donated by our amazing community of artists!
Luck of the Draw Exhibition & Fundraiser
Friday, November 6, 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Buy a ticket to support the Santa Cruz Art League’s ability to continue to provide free exhibitions and community events, and go home with something truly spectacular! Swing by the First Friday reception to make your wish list!
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, classroom, and the Broadway Playhouse, a 64-seat 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 Us
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