About the MAH

The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) is a thriving community gathering place that offers a full slate of art and history exhibitions, visual and performing artworks, public festivals, education and outreach programs, and cultural celebrations in collaboration with our many partners.

Our vision is to ignite shared experiences and unexpected connections that enrich our community.

To achieve that, our mission is to bring people together through art and local history to explore our diverse cultures. We are guided by the following values:

• Engagement & Collaboration
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility
• Innovation & Experimentation
• Excellence & Rigor
• Accountability, Integrity & Responsibility

Read MAH 2026, our latest strategic plan.

A portrait in numbers

These statistics paint an interesting picture of the MAH. Get the full view by reading our 2022-23 Annual Report.

Visitors

17,000

2011

85,000

2023

Budget

$700K

2011

$2.0M

2023

Events

25

2011

200

2023

The People of the MAH

Rebecca Synder
Featured Team Member

Archives Assistant

Rebecca Snyder

Rebecca Snyder (she/her) is in her final year at UCSC studying Literature and History of Art and Visual Culture. Interested in how art and archival records shape our world and lived experiences, learning more about this at the MAH has been…
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Shanti Nagwani
Featured Team Member

Preparator

Shanti Nagwani

Shanti Nagwani (she/her) earned her BA in Art from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She is a public artist, painter, printmaker, muralist, henna artist, art instructor, and ceramicist. As a visual artist, Shanti provides a…
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Sarah Fisher
Featured Team Member

Guest Services Representative

Sarah Fisher

Sarah Fisher (they/them) came from the East Bay and is currently a UCSC student in their last year studying history of art and visual culture with interests in contemporary arts. They are also an artists who enjoys the acrylic, pen,…
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Featured Team Member

Guest Services Representative

Yvonne Feistman

Yvonne Feistman (she/her) had a short-lived retirement and is pleased to now be a part of the Guest Services team at the MAH. She has a life-long interest in art and artists, culture and history, and a passion for travel and museums. When…
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Litzy
Featured Team Member

Guest Services Representative

Litzy Mozqueda-Franyutti

Litzy Mozqueda-Franyutti (she/her) was born and raised in Watsonville CA, she has developed a deep love for Santa Cruz County, with endless fields of fruits, breezy beaches, and compelling history. Being surrounded by people who guide and…
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LRK 8087
Featured Team Member

Systems Administrator

Roberto Ojeda

Robert Ojeda (he/him) earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of California in Riverside. Prior to arriving at the MAH Robert worked in the financial industry before choosing to focus on his calling for building…
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Our History

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The Evolution of the MAH

From our humble beginnings to the dynamic space we are today, the MAH has adapted to meet the needs of Santa Cruz County.

Dig into our history of partnerships, perseverance, and resilience to discover how we became one of the country's most creative and forward-thinking community museums.

Work at the MAH

Join the crew behind Santa Cruz County’s most creative events, exhibitions, and partnerships. Check out job opportunities or apply to be a volunteer or intern today.