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.
A message from the Board of Trustees -
Betsy Behan has resigned as Manager of the Santa Cruz Art League after 17 months of dedicated service. We are grateful for her contributions and the positive impact she has made. The Board is ensuring continuity of our programming, exhibitions, classes, and operations, with Terri Steinmann, Board President, and Mindi Lawrence, Board Treasurer, directly involved in operations during this transition.
You can read Betsy’s personal note, linked via the button below -
See What’s Happening!
Exhibitions
Our exhibitions are always free and open to the public to view!
“Simple Pleasures” Members’ Exhibition, 2026
November 18 - December 18
First Friday: December 4, 5 - 7:30 pm
Celebrate the creativity of our vibrant artistic community at the Santa Cruz Art League’s annual Members’ Exhibition, featuring work by current SCAL members and open for all to enjoy.
This year’s theme, Simple Pleasures, was selected through a vote by our community. Artists are invited to reflect on the small, meaningful moments that bring joy, whether found in food shared with friends, time in nature, beloved pets, creative rituals, or the everyday beauty that surrounds us. As a Santa Cruz based organization, we especially encourage work that connects to the simple pleasures found in our local landscape and community.
Up Next: TBA
Classes
Become a SCAL member for a 12% discount on classes!
Classes
Explore your creativity at the Santa Cruz Art League! Our classes, workshops, and drop-in sessions offer opportunities to learn new techniques, experiment with different mediums, and grow your artistic practice alongside our talented instructors. Whether you’re picking up a pencil for the first time or building on years of experience, there’s something for you.
Browse our current class listings to find your next creative adventure, and be sure to review each class’s materials list before registering. Have questions? We’re happy to help! Reach out to admin@scal.org anytime, or call the office at (831) 426-5787 during business hours, Wednesday through Saturday, 12 - 5 pm.
Critique Group
Art thrives in community! Whether you’re looking to refine a finished piece, conquer a creative block, or simply see your work through fresh eyes, join us at the Santa Cruz Art League on the fourth Thursday of each month. Bring an artwork in progress or freshly completed, share your creative journey, and enjoy constructive, supportive feedback from a warm circle of fellow local artists.
Events
Our First Friday Receptions are always free and open to all!
First Friday Reception - “Simple Pleasures” Members’ Exhibition, 2026
Saturday, December 4, 5 - 7:30 pm
Celebrate the creativity of our vibrant artistic community at the Santa Cruz Art League’s annual Members’ Exhibition, featuring work by current SCAL members and open for all to enjoy.
This year’s theme, Simple Pleasures, was selected through a vote by our community. Artists are invited to reflect on the small, meaningful moments that bring joy, whether found in food shared with friends, time in nature, beloved pets, creative rituals, or the everyday beauty that surrounds us. As a Santa Cruz based organization, we especially encourage work that connects to the simple pleasures found in our local landscape and community.
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