Art, History, and Nature Exhibits Welcome Visitors During Museum Month

May is Museum Month in Santa Cruz County

By Mary Andersen

After a year of pandemic closures, with economic reopening now in sight, area cultural institutions are cautiously and joyfully welcoming visitors back. After working diligently to bring art, history, and nature to supporters through creative online channels, attention turns now to in-person exhibits, tours, and classes.

“If you feel like something has been missing from your life for the last year, you aren’t alone. It is so easy to underestimate the power of connection in shared spaces. That sense of wonder is something museums specialize in and we are ready to spring back into the lives of our community,” said Rhiannon Crane, Executive Director of the Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery.

Local museums and galleries are celebrating by offering free and reduced admission. The San Lorenzo Valley Museum’s Boulder Creek and Felton branches, Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, and neighboring arts and history organizations have banded together to urge residents and tourists, children and adults alike, to embrace the idea of these attractions as gathering spaces, learning hubs, and centers of creativity. The collaboration has allowed organization leaders to establish the safest protocols for visitors.

“Working with other museums and galleries in our area has helped us as we prepare to reopen. This group has been a fantastic team and I am sure that no matter where you visit, you’ll have a great time at one of our local institutions,” said Felicia Van Stolk, Executive Director at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History.

Santa Cruz Mountains organizations inviting the public to reconnect include the San Lorenzo Valley Museum’s Felton and Boulder Creek branches and Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center in Ben Lomond. Access is free at all three locations. Visit slvmuseum.org and mountainartcenter.org for details about exhibits, classes, sales, and days and hours of operation.

Additional participating organizations include Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery, Santa Cruz Arts League, Agricultural History Project Center and Museum in Watsonville, Radius Gallery at the Tannery Arts Center, Capitola Historical Museum, San Benito Historical Society and Museum, Pajaro Valley Arts, Pajaro Valley Historical Association, Curated by the Sea Gallery, Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Learn more about these organizations at santacruzmuseummonth.org.

Mary Andersen is the co-founder, publisher, editor, and photographer for the San Lorenzo Valley Post. She is a social media and marketing consultant and digital media strategist. Email | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Featured photo of the San Lorenzo Valley Museum, Boulder Creek branch by Mary Andersen