Diversity of Natural World

Three-Month Series To Feature Special Exhibits By Local Artists

After a successful premiere in 2017, the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History’s Summer Art Series will return for a second year featuring local artists inspired by the natural world. The three-month series that starts in June will include free First Friday receptions from 5-7 p.m. to be attended by the featured artist from each month.

The Summer Art Series will feature Margaret Niven (June), Diana Walsworth (July) and Linda Cover (August). Admission to the Museum and artist receptions will be free on First Fridays (June 1, July 6 and August 3). During other times, access to the Summer Art Series exhibits will be included in general admission to the Museum.

“We are pleased to offer this exhibit for the second consecutive year and to showcase three gifted artists,” said Liz Broughton, who curates the series as the Museum’s Visitor Services Manager. “The diversity in content and media represented in the show demonstrates the artistic talent and love of nature that are both abundant in Santa Cruz County.”

About the Series
June: Trees of Coastal California
by Margaret Niven

Niven lives and works at the Tannery Arts Center and teaches at Cabrillo College, West Valley College (Saratoga) and Monterey Peninsula College. Her recent exhibition sites have included Pacific Grove Art Center, Radius Gallery, Ebb & Flow River Arts Festival and Pajaro Valley Art Center.

July: Brink – The Art of Conservation
by Diana Walsworth

Walsworth’s inspiration stems from her love of the wild outdoors. She has invented her own painting process, in which she dabs acrylic paint onto her canvases using a sewing needle. Diana became a full-time artist in 2017 after working for start-ups locally and in Silicon Valley.

August: Nature in the Round and Square
by Linda Cover

Cover, who also lives and works at the Tannery Arts Center, reflects the wonders of the natural world through her photography, which is transferred to wood using a unique orange oil transfer process. Her images are from local forests, rivers and urban settings. During her First Friday presentation on August 3, Cover will offer a demonstration of her transfer process.

Sponsors for the Summer Art Series are Gayle’s Bakery and Rosticceria; Dr. Elizabeth Quinn, DC; Harry & Mary Blanchard; Windy Oaks Estate; and the Good Times.