ARTS & CULTURE

County Art Exhibitions

Experience paintings, prints, crafts, photographs, jewelry, ceramics, sculptures, drawings, and mixed-media works by local artists and crafts people!

County Art Exhibitions

County Government Center

701 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz
Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm, except holidays

On exhibit on the 1st & 5th floors of the County Government Ctr. until Feb. 27: Martina Goulart, Painting; Margaret Michel, Mixed Media Sculpture; Ann Baldwin May, Textiles; Jessica Woods, Painting; Kara Capaldo; Photography.  More info. https://artscouncilsc.org/explore-the-arts/exhibits/  Image: Kara Capaldo

 


 

Simpkins Family Swim Center & Live Oak Library Annex

979 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz
Winging it: Birds of Live Oak - Feb. 20 - May 22, 2026

Soar through this exhibition of local art and history! Winging It shares artwork inspired by birdwatching in this area, as well as Live Oak history that makes it inviting for our feathered friends. Winging It: Birds of Live Oak will give visitors a chance to learn a little bit about Live Oak history in a lighthearted yet meaningful way, as well as celebrate the creatives that live in our area.

Artists featured include Shmuel Thaler (photography), Enrique Lopez (woodblock), and Elijah Pfotenhauer (mixed media), as well as local students’ work, historic photos, natural history specimens. The exhibition will be open to the public 6am-7:30pm Monday through Friday, and 9am-4pm Saturdays and Sundays.  Photo: Shmuel Thaler

Sounty Co. Government Center

500 Westridge, Watsonville
Sandra Cherk - Pastel Paintings 
Feb. 20 - May 22, 2026

Pastel Paintings by Sandra Cherk through May 22 in the lobby of the Santa Cruz Agricultural Commissioner/Tax Collector/County Clerk offices. Sandra is a native Californian whose art is inspired by the landscapes of her home - the forests, ocean, and open hills. The rich colors and workability of soft pastels allow Sandra to develop landscapes with her trademark softness, serenity and depth.  

 

Apply for an Exhibition at a County Facility

County Government Center Exhibitions
Santa Cruz County Parks and Arts Council Santa Cruz County collaborate to present three exhibitions at the County Government Center. Paintings, prints, crafts, photographs, jewelry, ceramics, sculpture, drawings, and mixed-media works by local artists and crafts people are exhibited year-round. Each exhibit shows work from five local artists and typically run for 2-3 months. Artists who apply may be contacted (if desired) about exhibiting their work at other County facilities, including Health Services Agency, South Co. Government Ctr., Swim Center, and others. Applications for 2026 Exhibitions are currently being accepted. 

Exhibitions at the Simpkins Family Swim Center/Live Oak Library Annex
Santa Cruz County artists, arts organizations, and history groups are invited to apply for an exhibition in the Simpkins Family Center/Live Oak Library Annex (979 17th Ave., Santa Cruz). Preference will be given to artists/exhibitors who feature Live Oak related imagery and content. Applications are currently being accepted for 2026 exhibitions. 

Contact Us

Phone:

(831) 454-7901 (General)

Monday – Friday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, except holidays

Our physical office is open, but staff availability is limited.