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 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

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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

Exhibitions Manager

Natalie Jenkins

Natalie Jenkins (she/her/they/them) received an MFA in Visual Art from the University of California, Riverside, after studying Fine Art and Craft with an emphasis on Woodworking at the Oregon College of Art and Craft. As a visual artist…
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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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Featured Team Member

Director of Operations & Facilities

Kevin Coullahan

Kevin Coullahan (he/him) has over 20+ years of design and creative experience from West Marine and frog design. Kevin received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design from San Jose State University. Kevin enjoys spending time with his…
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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

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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Meet Us All

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.

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