Past Exhibitions

A new installation by Monica Canilao and Xara Thustra (MCXT) that reimagines the local Venetian Water Carnivals, a Victorian-era spectacle on the San Lorenzo River.

A traveling multidisciplinary arts and culture program focused on the ideological concept of agriculture in the regions of California and Mexico.

Inspired by the MAH publication of the same name, uncover inspiring stories about Santa Cruz County residents from the early 20th century to the present.

Presented by The Humanities Institute at UC Santa Cruz.

Explore the art of Hunter S. Thompson’s political movement and learn more about the role visual culture can play in a campaign.

Explore the adventurous terrain of the MAH's new biennial arts festival.

Strange Weather: From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation brings together works by influential artists from the 20th and 21st century that creatively illuminate and reframe the boundaries of bodies and the environment.

Set upon a historical archive of art, objects, and stories from communities affected by the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fires.

Presented by The Humanities Institute at UC Santa Cruz with additional support provided by the History Forum.

Immerse yourself in the phenomena of Monterey Bay's fog and atmospheric rivers through an interactive exhibition featuring the work of Enid Baxter Ryce.

Art of the African Diaspora, in partnership with the Richmond Art Center, supports artists of African descent in the Bay Area through representation, professional development, and building a creative community.

Honor the legacy of Roy and Frances Rydell and the creativity of Santa Cruz County in an exhibition featuring the 2020-2021 Rydell Visual Arts Fund recipients, Ann Altstatt, Marc D'Estout, Cid Pearlman, and Edward Ramirez.

Wander through an immersive and kaleidoscopic ocean of light and sound created by U.K.-based digital arts collective Squidsoup.

Step into the studio of legendary Santa Cruz artist Jim Phillips, creator of the iconic Screaming Hand artwork, and browse work largely unseen since 1984.

Audio Monuments is a 4-part audio series installed throughout Santa Cruz. Some of the monuments are one day pop-ups, while others will be in their spaces for several months. However, all have an online presence here.

Each Audio Monument lifts up local histories and stories of our community members. Find an Audio Monument, listen, learn and share part of your story.

Uncover one community garden’s history of cultivation, community change, and historical preservation within a rapidly changing city.

Light up the night at Frequency, the MAH's new biennial festival.