3/23 Intro to Plein Air Painting – Sandhills

Go outside and learn to paint gouache and watercolor landscapes while surrounded by nature as inspiration. This open-air art workshop will teach the techniques necessary to capture environmental perspectives through the creative use of negative space, layering, various stroke techniques, and more.

Using the Museum’s exclusive access to various vistas as reference, participants will be guided through the basics of transferring the beauty of beaches and shorelines to canvas with step-by-step instruction.

No prior experience required. Participants will have a completed art piece to take home at the conclusion of the workshop. Open to ages 16+/all experience levels. All supplies included.

Sunday, March 23, 2024
10 AM  –  1 PM


Location:  To be released closer to the date of the program, with the goal of featuring seasonal environments.
Class Size: 18 Students
Class Fee: $43 – Museum Members receive a special discounted price applied at checkout.
Materials:  All supplies are included in the class fee.
Instructor: Taylor Seamount

This class takes place outside; dress appropriately for the outdoors. Supplies may get messy, so casual attire is recommended.

About the Instructor

Website: taylorseamount.com

Instagram: @taylorseamount

Growing up in the natural beauty of Santa Cruz, CA, Taylor was set on a winding path between science and art. She received her bachelors in biochemistry at UC Davis and later spent two years at the Mark Kang-O’Higgins Modern Painting Atelier in Seattle. After the atelier, Taylor moved back home to Santa Cruz due to a worsening of her invisible disability, POTS. Adapting to her new limitations, Taylor’s artistic practice refocused from large imaginative realist oil paintings to small works in gouache. She came to aspire to the visionary landscape styles of gouache illustrators, James Gurney (Dinotopia) and Kazuo Oga (Studio Ghibli), and accordingly began to study natural color and light through plein air (i.e. painting landscapes on location outdoors). As plein air became central to her creative practice, she developed a distinctive crisp flat-brush style. Additionally, she began a successful business designing and selling her own unique ultra-light-weight plein air sketch easels, fabricated here in Santa Cruz. As a UC Certified California Naturalist and climate justice artivist, Taylor uses plein air and solar punk illustration to envision a regenerative future for her community. In this work, she often collaborates with local activists and environmental stewards. Hobbies not yet incorporated into her work are napping and saying hi to the native plants that are walking distance from her house. Her pronouns are both they/them and she/her.  

2/28 Fluorescent Fungi & Bioluminescent (DNA) Barcodes

Glowing, glowing, gone! For the last lecture of Fungus February, explore the brilliant world of bioluminesce. In this illuminating lecture, learn about the fluorescing fungi that glow under ultraviolet light, mushrooms that create their own light, even in complete darkness, and what in their DNA is coded for them to exhibit these beautiful characteristics. Using hundreds of high quality photos, explore the mysterious world of bioluminescent and fluorescent fungi, and shine some light on the science of their unique DNA.   

  • Class Fee: $16 – Museum Members receive a special discounted price applied at checkout.
  • Instructor: Alan Rockefeller, Mycology Taxonomist and Founder of mycena
  • Class Size: 60 participants
  • Materials: Light refreshments will be served prior to the start of the program.

Date: Friday, February 28th

Time: 6 – 8 p.m.

Location: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

1305 East Cliff DR, Santa Cruz, CA

Explore more Fungus February events!

2/26 Sky Islands, Sea Islands, Dry Islands, & the Biogeography of Macrofungi

Making maps of the distributions of organisms is one of the most fascinating topics in all of natural history. The theory of island biogeography serves as an ideal starting point in understanding broader patterns of how life travels from adaptation to extinction. How do fungi behave in comparison to other groups of organisms? In what ways do island-dwelling individuals differ from their mainland cousins? Come on an expedition to uncover the geographical mysteries of mushrooms!

  • Class Fee: $16 – Museum Members receive a special discounted price applied at checkout.
  • Instructor: Christian Schwarz, Research Associate at the Norris Center for Natural History at UCSC & Santa Barbara Botanical Garden
  • Class Size: 60 participants
  • Materials: Light refreshments will be served prior to the start of the program.

Date: Wednesday, February 26th

Time: 6 – 8 p.m.

Location: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

1305 East Cliff DR, Santa Cruz, CA

Explore more Fungus February events!

2/22 East Glenwood Mushroom Exploration

In collaboration with the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, adventure through exclusive areas as you partake in a fungus exploration! Guided by a master mycologist, prepare to venture into the unknown as you scout for seasonal mushrooms. Open to ages 12+. Appropriate for all skill levels. 

  • Class Fee: $35 – Museum Members receive a special discounted price applied at checkout.
  • Instructor: Liv Fragiacomo, Applied Mycology Fieldwork Lead for the University of California, Santa Cruz
  • Class Size: 15 participants per timeslot  
  • FYI: This program runs rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for all weather and a light hike. 

Date: Saturday, February 22nd

Timeslots: 10 – 11 a.m. | 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | 1 – 2 p.m.

Location: East Glenwood Open Space Preserve

300-414 Glenwood Dr, Scotts Valley, CA 

Timeslot A

10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Timeslot B

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Timeslot C

1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Explore more Fungus February events!

2/21 Spore Prints & Mushroom Painting

Capture the intricate beauty of mushrooms using the mushroom spores as the painting medium. Utilizing local Santa Cruz County mushrooms as both the reference and art material, participants will learn how to paint and print mushrooms using the spores and gills. In addition to learning two different art techniques, there will also be a scientific lecture on mushroom spores, reproduction, and biology.

Learn the basics of spore pressings and printings with step-by-step instruction by a master mushroom artist. Using spores, apply your mushroom observations to hue, composition, color theory, layering, and more. This class is perfect for aspiring artists or creative nature lovers with no prior experience, only a passion for the arts and sciences.

Mushrooms for reference will be provided by the artist, but participants are welcome to bring their own mushrooms as well. Participants will have two completed art pieces to take home at the conclusion of the workshop. Open to ages 16+/all experience levels. All supplies included.

  • Class Fee: $45 – Museum Members receive a special discounted price applied at checkout.
  • Instructor: Chloe Rickards
  • Class Size: 22 Students
  • FYI: This class takes place indoors. Supplies may get messy, so casual attire is recommended.

Date: Friday, February 21st

Time: 6 – 8 p.m.

Location: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

1305 East Cliff DR, Santa Cruz, CA

Explore more Fungus February events!

2/19 Cordyceps, Cappuccinos, & Mind Control

Fungus February just got a whole lot spookier, especially when the topic is parasitic zombie fungi! Learn about the sinister Cordyceps mushroom that infects insects using mind-controlling spores and turns them into the walking dead. Why is this the same mushroom people are using for an energizing coffee replacement?! Learn how the zombification process works, if it really is a caffeine substitute, and if humans are at risk of being its next zombie victim. If you dare…!

  • Class Fee: $16 – Museum Members receive a special discounted price applied at checkout.
  • Instructor: Chloe Rickards, Entomology disease ecologist at the City College of San Francisco
  • Class Size: 60 participants
  • Materials: Light refreshments will be served prior to the start of the program.

Date: Wednesday, February 19th

Time: 6 – 8 p.m.

Location: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

1305 East Cliff DR, Santa Cruz, CA

Explore more Fungus February events!

2/15 & 2/16 Fungus February Flameworking & Glassblowing

Looking for a fiery way to enjoy Fungus February? Experience the excitement of glassblowing in this special hands-on flameworkging program hosted by the talented artists of “Little Wolf Glass!”

This workshop will teach the process of melting and molding glass into a beautiful molten masterpiece. Under the supervision of a master glass artist, all participants will be assigned their own glassblowing station and learn to use specialized torches and tools to shape glass into a one-of-a-kind glass mushroom pendant to be brought home! Open to ages 16+. Appropriate for all skill levels. All materials and safety supplies are included. 

  • Class Fee: $95 – Museum Members receive a special discounted price applied at checkout.
  • Instructor: Matt Szidik, Master glassblower from Little Wolf Glass   
  • Materials Fee: All supplies and safety equipment are included in class fee. 
  • Class Size: 4 participants per timeslot, with each timeslot lasting 50 minutes.

Weekend Two: Saturday, February 15th & Sunday February 16th

Timeslots A, B, C, D, E, F detailed below

Location: Tyrrell Park, behind the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

1305 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Saturday, February 15th

Timeslot A

10 – 10:50 a.m.

Timeslot B

11 – 11:50 a.m.

Timeslot C

12 – 12:50 p.m.

Timeslot D

2 – 2:50 p.m.

Timeslot E

3 – 3:50 p.m.

Timeslot F

4 – 4:50 p.m.

Sunday, February 16th

Timeslot A

10 – 10:50 a.m.

Timeslot B

11 – 11:50 a.m.

Timeslot C

12 – 12:50 p.m.

Timeslot D

2 – 2:50 p.m.

Timeslot E

3 – 3:50 p.m.

Timeslot F

4 – 4:50 p.m.

Explore more Fungus February events!

2/15 Saturdays in the Soil

We are coming together as a community to steward Tyrrell Park through the City’s Adopt-A-Park program. At the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, you gain new wisdom about local ecology, native plants, and sustainable gardening while connecting with nature outdoors. It’s time to get your hands dirty! Join us and volunteer in the Museum’s Garden Learning Center and Pilkington Creek.

Saturday, February 15th, 2025| 10 a.m. to noon
Every third Saturday at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Email volunteer@santacruzmuseum.org to RSVP. Space is limited.

What to Expect

  • This project requires volunteer support with general landscaping, occasional watering, weeding, and replanting.
  • Please let us know if you need special accommodations when you email to RSVP.
  • This program happens rain or shine, but we will cancel in the case of muddy conditions or inclement weather.
  • All ages are welcome; children under 14 require adult supervision. Volunteers under 18 require a parent/guardian to sign waivers.
  • Please follow latest guidelines for covid safety at the time of the program.

2/15 Antonelli Pond Mushroom Exploration

In collaboration with the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, adventure through exclusive areas as you partake in a fungus exploration! Guided by a master mycologist, prepare to venture into the unknown as you scout for seasonal mushrooms. Open to ages 12+. Appropriate for all skill levels. 

  • Class Fee: $35 – Museum Members receive a special discounted price applied at checkout.
  • Instructor: Liv Fragiacomo, Applied Mycology Fieldwork Lead for the University of California, Santa Cruz
  • Class Size: 15 participants per timeslot  
  • FYI: This program runs rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for all weather and a light hike. 

Date: Saturday, February 15th

Timeslots: 10 – 11 a.m. | 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | 1 – 2 p.m.

Location: Antonelli Pond

Antonelli Pond, Santa Cruz, CA

Timeslot A

10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Timeslot B

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Timeslot C

1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Explore more Fungus February events!

[SOLD OUT] 2/14 Valentines Day Special: Beach Glass and Bubbles

Give the gift of an experience to your loved one this Valentine’s Day! As part of this special seasonal offering, discover the beauty of beachcombing as you create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece made from shoreline treasures. Using local and sustainably-sourced resources, Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day participants will learn the basics of environmental sculpture and design with step-by-step instruction. Transform sea glass, driftwood, and botanicals into unique, coastal-inspired art.

In this workshop, sip sparkling wine as you create an 8×10 sea glass Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day scene that adds a local touch of coastal charm to your home. Join us for a creative experience and leave with a finished framed piece that captures the magic of the shoreline. Perfect for a holiday gift, a personal home decoration, or an activity to be shared with friends or family.

No prior art experience is required. Participants will have a completed art piece to take home at the conclusion of the workshop. Open to ages 21+/all experience levels. Wine, cheese, and other light refreshments will be served. All art supplies included.

Friday, February 14th

5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Location: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History,
1305 E. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA. 95062

This event is sold out. To join the waitlist, please contact events@santacruzmuseum.org.


Class Size: 22 Students
Class Fee: $45 – Museum Members receive a special discounted price applied at checkout.
Materials:  All supplies are included in the class fee. Wine, cheese, and other light refreshments will be served.
Instructor: Stephanie Spross

This class takes place indoors. Supplies may get messy, so casual attire is recommended.

About the Instructor

Stephanie Spross

Stephanie Spross is a local artist with a love for transforming beach treasures like sea glass and driftwood into unique, coastal-inspired art. Driven by a passion for breathing new life into found objects, her work brings a touch of nature’s magic indoors, inviting others to find beauty in the unexpected. Originally from the Bay Area, Stephanie moved to Monterey to attend CSUMB.

Website: https://thelocalbeachcomber.com/

Instagram: @thelocalbeachcomber