About the MAH

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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 2021-22 Annual Report.

Visitors

17,000

2011

85,000

2022

Budget

$700K

2011

$1.8 Mil.

2020

Events

25

2011

600

2020

The People of the MAH

Featured Team Member

Archives Specialist

Jessie Durant

Jessie Durant (she/her) earned her BA in History of Art and Visual Culture from UCSC and MLIS from San Jose State. She fell in love with the archival profession when she interned in the MAH archives during graduate school. She is excited…

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Featured Team Member

Membership Coordinator

Jenna Clancy

Jenna Clancy (she/her) was born and raised in Los Angeles before heading to the University of Colorado Boulder for college. She graduated with a degree in Psychology and spent a decade exploring the Rockies before making her way to Santa…

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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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Featured Team Member

Education & Outreach Manager

Oscar Paz

Oscar Paz (he/him) was born and raised in the land of eternal spring, Guatemala, and brings his passion for teaching to the MAH. Before coming to the MAH, Oscar was teaching Spanish here in Santa Cruz. During weekdays, you can catch him…

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Featured Team Member

Director of Exhibitions & Programs

Marla Novo

Marla Novo (she/her) earned a Master of Arts in Art History from San Jose State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from UC Santa Cruz. She has over 25 years of experience curating exhibitions at non-profit institutions as…

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Featured Team Member

Systems Coordinator

Robert 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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Meet Us All

Our History

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.

Our Story

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.

Careers

Other Ways to Get Involved