Our Story

In 1919, our founders envisioned a space for artists to come together, create, and access a wider audience. Now, over a century later, the Santa Cruz Art League still strives to facilitate a community for our local artists. We celebrate the thriving art center we have become, nurturing and expanding the expression of artists in our community.

For the next century we will continue to support our founders’ vision of the Art League as a creativity hub. With the continuing support of our vibrant community of artists, patrons and sponsors we will engage the next generation of creatives through inclusive visual and performing arts programs for schools, families and young adults for this and future centuries to come.

Land Acknowledgement:

The Santa Cruz Art League occupies the traditional and unceded lands of the Awaswas-speaking Uypi Tribe. The Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, descendants of the people who were brought by force to the Santa Cruz and San Juan Bautista Missions, are working to restore indigenous knowledge and practices. We want to extend our gratitude for stewarding this land for generations.