This is an art gallery located on UCSC's beautiful campus, specifically in Cowell College right…read morenext to Cowell's cafe and their dining hall. This gallery is school funded and supports local artists with their exhibits. The exhibit changes every quarter and the workers are very knowledgable, especially their curator: Joan Blackmer. Winter quarter, 2014 they held tapestries from India--but their exhibit will change to something else for their Spring, 2014 quarter. Gallery hours: 11am-4pm (Tuesdays-Sundays)

My favorite art store! It can feel a little cramped but only because it is full of so many options…read morefor every medium and for any kind of artist. Being a framer myself, i especially enjoy buying yards of their discounted, precut canvas to stretch when I get back home. It is a little out of the ways for me to get to, but it is a NECESSARY stop for me whenever I take my family to Capitola or Santa Cruz.

A family owned and operated art supply store that I don't think I could live without. They stock…read moreevery type of art medium from beginner to fine art. Andy is one of my most favorite people, knowledgeable in all his products and personal with his clients and his staff is friendly and helpful. They are active in the community and offer not only competitive prices but always have rotating items on sale. I have found as many rare brands and selections as common staples to rival any online store and they are happy to order something if they don't stock it. You cannot put a price on familiarity and quality, when many art stores have pared down to only popular items and you have to hunt down an associate, Lenz Arts is the gold standard of value, service, and quality. We are so lucky to have them, that I for one, refuse to buy art supplies online, and am full of dissapointment upon venturing into any other art store. Andy and Lenz Arts staff- You guys are the best, wear it with pride, and never close or I will be forced to a life of artistic mediocrity~ A. Swanson

I visited this museum, in December of 2025. And it is almost Valentine's Day, 2026 so I am late to…read morerecord my experience, I understand that. But I rather take down the Christmas on Super Bowl weekend than wait to take the lights down near the 4th of July. I went to this place on my first trip to Santa Cruz. And I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of this place, and its focus on Santa Cruz Culture. Thorough out my life, I have heard that Santa Cruz is known for crystals, and forest green. But on my trip here, I learned that Santa Cruz is also famous for surfer culture, As some of the pictures, demonstrate surf boards, like cups, hair styles, and volcanoes, come in a variety of lengths, shapes, colors and purpose. I also learned that surfing has its origins from Hawaii, and even though I did not know that, it totally makes sense. I will never be on a surf board, catching a big wave, while the breeze hits my face, and pelicans fly above, but by visiting this museum I learned the historical value of the surf movement that waved hello, initially, in Santa Cruz by way of Hawaii. My favorite room was that one that reflected the beach and ocean vibe of Santa Cruz in place. The room was colored in a deep blue that did not resemble clear waters, more like the deep blue that is found when the ocean seems to be infinite. I am not sure the exact shade of blue that the room was painted in, but I will call it calming serenity blue, which is a close cousin to royal blue. If popcorn yellow and burnt cocoa brown are colors than mine can be colored too, I do not need Crayola level authority to christen colors. The pictures in the room continued my trance into serenity. The paintings showed these peaceful seascapes, where sky and sea became partners in a waltz, not interwoven as one, but paired into slow movement that induces stillness upon the viewer. Other pictures showed a calm beach, where the shore water had white froth as it met the sand. In the background, there was a rock formation and behind the rock formation was a tranquil sky brighten by subtle hues of a descending sun. Even as I reviewed the pictures for this yelp, I found the paintings to be, in a phrase: rest in ocean and pastel candy colored strokes. The room also had a speaker that played the sounds of the ocean, quietly about a chair. I allowed myself to transport myself to a beach shore, to experience the colors of the sea breeze. The museum also tried to educate others on its place in USA farm produce history. One of the pictures discusses the migration pattern by stating, "Today Mexican men, women and children cross the border voluntarily- but at great risk of violence and rape." This is just my opinion, but this sentence, is too broad yet to specific at the same time to accurately paint a picture of the migration experience of many Mexicans and by extension other people who seek to come to America to fulfill their version of the American dream. The way it is written, again from my interpretation, implies that the choice to come to America is one that is a "voluntary" decision like skipping or going to the gym, or using a credit card for a jacket when it does not fit your means. Meaning, that the word voluntary may ignore the vast conditions that push others to migrate, other than personal choice. But this is just one Yelper's opinion, if that makes sense. In another, poster, which I clipped, explains how Santa Cruz goes alternative. The poster explains that "Santa Cruz became a cauldron of cultural experimentation, neighborhood activism, intellectual exploration and environmental protection in the 1960s and 1970s." I think that the word cauldron here is not the right choice because a cauldron most often then not, holds a witches brew. And, most witches brews that are mixed in a cauldron, are meant to produce a potion that results in some type of calamity or curse. I know I may be nitpicking, but if a museum is going to report history, they should be prepared for a response, as history should be reported with objective caution, not editorial perspective. A better word, again in my opinion, would be site, like Santa Cruz became a site of.... this gives objective reporting, as a posed to imagery that a word like cauldron produces. I think, and thus I write. Angela Davis, said, according to a poster, I also clipped, " I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change, I am changing the things I cannot accept." I also really enjoyed playing with Christmas train models for about 10 to 15 minutes. I was not transported into the Polar Express, but, it was fun to turn on cabooses and view their speed and stops through the tracks. It was a zen kind of moment. The museum also had a sculpture garden and a picture of a man in front of a giant redwood that made me want to find a giant tree and walk inside its tunnel. I guess, what I am trying to say is that this museum has a lot to see and ponder about. I was stirred, and calmed, by it.

What a great find while visiting downtown Santa Cruz with my girlfriend! Such a relaxing experience…read morevisiting this museum, it wasn't busy and the exhibits are very simple. You really get to learn about the history of Santa Cruz and the surrounding cities. It was three floors and wasn't a crazy big museum. I enjoyed it a lot and it was affordable to enjoy. Definitely can be a cool add to your itinerary for Santa Cruz. Bathrooms are a bit spooky though haha, they are super dim and is very ominous! Could barely go anymore once I walked in.

I love em - they're in part responsible for the "First Friday Art Tour" in downtown Santa Cruz!…read more They do beautiful mural work! They're a program of the City Department of Redevelopment and Economic Development, Santa Cruz City Arts works with the Arts Commission, partners and stakeholders to guide implementation of the public art and mural programs, City Arts Master Plan and other cultural planning initiatives. You can join the City Arts mailing list by emailing cbirns@ci.santa-cruz.ca.us

Amazing! One of a kind experience I would highly recommend it. I'd also recommend the upgraded…read moredichromatic glass which adds a mystical enchantment to your unique piece. Thank you Chris, Tyler and Zia for an unforgettable experience and being a part of our 10th anniversary. We will cherish our pieces for years to come. Thank you all for bringing glass blowing to the people.

Great little art gallery, located just minutes north of Santa Cruz in the town of Davenport. It was…read moreeducational and enjoyable to tour all the production areas of Chris' studio. He enjoys sharing his great knowledge of glass works with others. He holds workshops and hands-on classes on-site on a regular basis. Give Chris a call to find out what events and when classes are scheduled. Beautiful creations!

This is such a special and intimate venue for live music and jazz. I love how the space allows you…read moreto really connect with the performers. It's amazing to be so close to the musicians and experience the music up close. It's an incredible spot that brings in so many talented artists. If you're into jazz, you're in for a treat. They also sell food and drinks that you can enjoy right at your seat.

Last night, 15JUN26, Kuumbwa once again showed why it's a world class jazz club. Jason Marsalis and…read morehis band laid down the vibe while the sold out audience dined on delicious steelhead and cherry tomato kabobs on a bed of basil pesto rice or a bowl of superb chili. Just another killer show.

Absolutely stunning pieces of art: architectural little eye-fetching bags and carry cases,…read moreinterspersed with vibrantly colored wall art. High design + functionality = the best. An impressively curated little shop with museum quality, usable pieces. The owner, Rachel, was delightful, and who wouldn't be, gifted with such talents? We bought a uniquely arted hand sculpture, leaving the store less one of its fun displays. You can't miss the gorgeous and vibrant bold color installations as well, by another artist we did not meet, but check those out too!

Botanic and Luxe combines all my favorite shoppable things into one place: gorgeous healthy…read moreplants, local delicate jewelry, pillows, baskets, handcrafted goodies, candles and other scented gifts, wall art, travel and cook books, fine kitchenware. I mean seriously, did someone read my journal of Favorite Things and create this store just for me?!! L-O-V-E! There is no walking around downtown Santa Cruz without stopping by Botanic and Luxe. I have purchased gifts here as well as framed art (with a locally-made wooden frame) that hangs in my home, and recently attended their anniversary event where they had local vendors serve matcha and desserts, and they provided 20% off the entire store, so naturally I went home with another plant baby. Even though the store was PACKED with customers, they asked me if I needed help twice and also spent time giving me plant care instructions! Botanic is a higher-end plant shop, so expect to see some matching "luxury" prices as well. But people don't usually come here to get the best deal; they come to feel a certain way while they peruse a beautiful shop that sources many items locally, to get a certain level of service, and to be ensured a certain quality of product.

I absolutely love this cute little spot in Santa Cruz. I have a little tradition that every time I…read morecome here I buy a new plant. The day I bought the cutest little mini monstera. They also have a wonderful variety of different artisan crafts and very delightful scented oils. If you want to uplift your mood, come into botanic and lux. In a good mood immediately with all their soothing music and they're gorgeous atmosphere. The service is always very friendly and I plan to patron this place very often.