First Friday

SCAL is thrilled to host monthly First Friday receptions. Join us for refreshments, community, and incredible exhibitions. Our receptions are 5:00 - 7:30 pm on the First Friday of the month. Check out our upcoming exhibitions page to see our current and upcoming exhibitions!

First Friday receptions at the Santa Cruz Art League are FREE for anyone to attend, and our gallery is always free to visit!

There will be no food or beverages allowed in the gallery or lobby due to the nature of the artwork installed until April 10. First Friday refreshments will be served in the classroom on February 6 and March 6.

No First Friday Reception in April

Please join us on May 1 for our next reception!

High School Exhibition
68th Annual Countywide Showcase

Michael Dilloughery, "Lidded Warrior Jar"
67th Annual High School Show, 2025

On View: Wednesday, April 22 - Friday, May 15, 2026

First Friday Reception: May 1, 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Since 1955, our annual High School Show has provided a professional gallery space for emerging artists across Santa Cruz County, now marking its 68th year. Each year, 80 to 200 students from public, private, charter, home, and at-risk schools showcase their creativity, many for the first time beyond the classroom. Over the decades, an estimated 8,400 young artists have benefited from this opportunity to share their voices and talents. This enduring tradition reflects the Art League’s grassroots commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists and inspiring them to dream big.