Join science illustrator Sami Chang for a guided field sketching experience at the tide pools where we will observe a diversity of ocean life and record what we find using science illustration techniques. Basic materials will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their favorite nature journaling and field sketching tools, such as a journal, watercolor palette, pencils, pens, hand lenses, etc.

This program is in support of the new exhibit The Art of Nature.

Saturday, May 13, 2023
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Capitola (exact location shared upon registration)
$15 Members | $25 General

Registration opens for Members on Tuesday, March 14 (must be logged in). Registration opens for all Wednesday, March 15.
Email events@santacruzmuseum.org with any questions, accommodation requests, or if you have trouble registering.

Accessibility

• Wear sturdy footwear that you don’t mind getting wet. Sneakers, knee-length rubber boots, and surf booties are all good options. No sandals, please! It may be windy and chilly, so dress in layers and have a windproof outer layer.
• Low tide is at 12:17 p.m.
• We will walk down a flight of stairs to reach the intertidal zone.
• Basic materials will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their favorite nature journaling and field sketching tools, such as a journal, watercolor palette, pencils, pens, hand lenses, etc.
• Youth under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration fees apply to all ages.
• Restrooms are available at the parking lot.
• Please leave your pets at home. Trained service animals are permitted.
• Please adhere to the latest local guidelines for COVID safety.

During this outdoor Makers Market, meet local artists featured in our annual science illustration exhibit, The Art of Nature, watch them at work, and support them by going home with prints, stickers, cards, cups, and more! There will be free admission to the Museum, making it the perfect time to explore this year’s science illustration display featuring over 30 local artists.

Saturday, April 29, 2023
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Outside the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Accessibility

• Drop-by anytime 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to join the festivities!
• Admission to the Museum is free all day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Follow the latest guidelines for for covid safety.
• Restrooms and water fountains are available inside the Museum.
• Parking permits are required if you park on the Museum-side of Pilkington Ave. They can be retrieved at the info booth or inside the Museum.
• Artist booths will be on somewhat lumpy grass.

The soils and rocks around us hold hidden potential for your next art project. Join artist Patricia Larenas for an exploration of local pigment sources — we will respectfully gather materials, transform them into paints, and practice using them as an artistic medium. All materials provided.

Saturday, April 22, 2023
10 a.m. to noon
Location: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
$15 Members | $25 General

Registration opens for Members on Tuesday, March 14. Registration opens for all Wednesday, March 15.
Email events@santacruzmuseum.org with any questions, accommodation requests, or if you have trouble registering.

This program has reached capacity. Emails events@santacruzmuseum.org to be added to a waitlist.

Accessibility and Logistics

• Wear layers and be prepared to be out in the sun for long stretches of time.
• This program will occur in the amphitheater behind the Museum. There is a ramp to get down to the amphitheater, but at the end are steps. We will also head across the street to Seabright Beach for a portion of the walk, including being on sand (we’ll head about 50 feet out onto the sand from the beach entrance).
• Leave your pets at home. Trained service animals are allowed.
• Restrooms are available inside the Museum.
• Parking permits are required on Pilkington Ave. adjacent to the Museum. Staff will provide one for any participant who parks there.
• All materials provided, but bring a breath mint tin (or something similar) should you like to take home a wet palate.
• Youth under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration fees apply to all ages.
• Follow the latest guidelines for COVID safety at the time of the event.

Connect with fellow nudibranch lovers during this guided painting experience inside the Museum. Materials, drinks, and treats provided and all participants will go home with their own hand-painted nudibranch sculpture. We’ll open with social time 5:30-6 and will begin the workshop by 6 p.m.

3D artist, professional scuba diver, and marine biologist Nicholas Ta will provide a variety of species to choose from while helping folks apply accurate coloration. These scientifically accurate 3D sea slug sculptures are made from soy-based resin and reusable products.

This program is in support of the new exhibit The Art of Nature.

Thursday, April 13, 2023
5:30-8:30 p.m.
$35 Members | $45 General

Registration opens for Members on Tuesday, March 14. Registration opens for all Wednesday, March 15.
Email events@santacruzmuseum.org with any questions, accommodation requests, or if you have trouble registering.

This program has reached capacity. Emails events@santacruzmuseum.org to be added to a waitlist.

Accessibility

• All materials provided and participants will go home with their own hand-painted nudibranch sculpture.
• Bring a breath mint tin (or something similar) if you’d like to bring a wet palate home with you. Here are instructions.
• Snacks and drinks will also be provided. Feel free to bring additional food should you like.
• Youth under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Follow the latest guidelines for covid safety.
• Please leave your pets at home. Trained service animals are permitted.
• Review more details on our Accessibility page.

Nature journaling can help us view the natural world with new perspectives, learn about our surroundings, and see the extraordinary in the ordinary.

During monthly Nature Journal Studio sessions at the Museum, Melinda Nakagawa will guide you through a topic as we practice skills in a group setting and share our learning with others. We will develop observation skills and awareness of nature, improve sketching skills, and practice strategies to bring the 3-dimensional world onto the page. Rather than an art class, nature journaling is about observation, curiosity, wonder, and honing these abilities.

Wednesday, April 12, 2023
6:30-8 p.m.

Location: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Free with Admission*

Sign-up for other Nature Journal Studio events.
*Free for Members and Youth under 18 | $4 General | $2 Students and Seniors

Accessibility and COVID protocol

• All experience levels are welcome. Youth under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
• You can attend one session or come each month.
• It is likely that the programs will take place inside the Museum, but sometimes sessions are held outside (details in confirmation email).
• Follow the latest guidelines for covid safety.
• Basic materials are provided, but feel free to bring your favorite nature journal tools.
• Please leave your pets at home. Trained service animals are permitted.
• Review more details on our Accessibility page.

About Melinda Nakagawa

Melinda Nakagawa is a biologist, naturalist, and educator with a passion and skill for connecting people to nature. She founded Spark in Nature to guide participants to cultivate a deeper relationship with the natural world, slowing down to nature’s pace and seeing rather than just looking at the world.

With an approach that bridges nature, art, and heart, she welcomes all people regardless of their skill level or background. Through her gentle guidance, hundreds of participants have awakened their spark of curiosity, sense of wonder, and connection to the natural world.

Melinda has partnered with local institutions such as the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium and Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History to lead educator trainings on nature journaling. She leads the Monterey Bay Nature Journal Club’s free online Sunday sessions.

She has an M.S. degree in Marine Science, and has also worked as a naturalist guide, floral designer, and wildlife rehabilitator. For the past two decades Melinda has kept nature journals and continues to learn more from nature with each journal she fills.

Nature journal examples by Melinda Nakagawa.