What Pops With Color: Santa Cruz Murals
Museums are there for you to learn about technique and excellence, but street art is where you really see the culture that defines Santa Cruz. With roots deeply ingrained in all things creative, the county is highlighted in splashes of colors, geometric patterns, and talent that goes beyond your comprehension. From the historic downtown to the quieter South County, get ready to feast your eyes on the incomparable Santa Cruz wall art.
Black Lives Matter
Collaborating with artist and activist Abi Mustapa, Santa Cruz became the first city in the nation to paint a Black Lives Matter mural, completed by community volunteers. The mural can permanently be found on Center Street in front of City Hall in Downtown Santa Cruz.
Community Quiltage
When in need of a facelift, the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History decided Thomas Campbell is the man for the job. He received a grant to transform a blank wall into a decorative installation and landed on this quilt-piece idea that stitched together different aspects of the Santa Cruz community.
Learning from the Past, Living in the Present, Looking Toward the Future
Made up of seven individual panels, the mural in Santa Cruz’s Beach Flats neighborhood proves that meaning is in the eye of the beholder. There are references to all kinds of events—past, present, or future—but it’s up to you to decipher and derive meaning from the artwork.
Words of Wisdom
In the heart of midtown, you’ll find wall art as beautiful as its meaning—Dolly Parton’s “wildflowers don’t care where they grow” line rings truer than ever. The vibrant mural manages to put a smile on every passenger’s face; you’ll see it all over Instagram.
The Sea Meets the Park
The Seacliff Village Park mural was created not only as a beautiful piece of art, but also as a catalyst for teaching people about the importance of conversation. Located a short drive down the road from Seacliff State Beach, this Anastasiya Bachmanova piece is a must-see.
What’s Happening: Santa Cruz Art Events