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 2023-24 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

Marla headshot
Featured Team Member

Deputy Director

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 30 years of experience curating exhibitions at non-profit institutions as well as…
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Featured Team Member

Assistant Education Coordinator, Humanities EXCEL Fellow

Leo Colletta

Leo (he/him), originally from Encinitas, California, is a History and Politics double major at UCSC. When he is not studying or working he loves to read, run, and cook. He is excited to engage with students throughout Santa Cruz County as…
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Yvonne NEW
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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Hans
Featured Team Member

Director of Finance & Administration

Hans Wuerfmannsdobler

Hans Wuerfmannsdobler (he/him) has more than twenty years of experience in the nonprofit sector. After two years of service in AmeriCorps, he worked in a variety of organizations including a political nonprofit, HandsOn Bay Area, and a…
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Ginger headshot website
Featured Team Member

Executive Director

Ginger Shulick Porcella

Ginger Shulick Porcella (she/they) earned a Master of Arts in Socio-Cultural Anthropology from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from DePaul University. Prior to working at the MAH, Porcella has been the Executive…
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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.