The Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History (the MAH) has announced the restoration of its iconic “Community Quiltage mural, created by internationally renowned artist Thomas Campbell.
The project was made possible in part with support from the National Academy of Design/Edwin Austin Abbey Memorial Trust Fund for Mural Painting.
The mural has become a symbol of the spirited and diverse Santa Cruz lifestyle, and will be preserved for permanent display as the MAH celebrates its 30th Anniversary in 2026. Since its initial creation in 2017, the mural has had a significant impact on the visual identity of Abbott Square—the plaza surrounding the museum—and has ultimately set an artistic tone for downtown Santa Cruz.
“Community Quiltage” visually weaves together images from Santa Cruz history, stitching together the past and the present by paying homage to the history of graffiti, the American quilt, and the diverse individuals who have helped shape our community.
Thomas Campbell designed the mural in 2016 which was then painted by ICU Artists from Oakland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Prior to finalizing the design, Campbell and ICU Artists solicited input and feedback from community members to incorporate into the final mural. This created a strong sense of community, belonging, and ownership of the mural from the Santa Cruz community, helping fuel renewed excitement for the MAH and Abbott Square. Soon after installation, Campbell’s mural became a symbol of the revitalization of downtown Santa Cruz, presenting it as a safe, welcoming gathering space. This colorful beacon of hope demonstrating Santa Cruz’s creativity and resilience is well-loved and deserves a restoration, now more than ever as the MAH approaches its 30th Anniversary Year.
“One of the reasons I was drawn to the MAH initially was because of this beautiful Thomas Campbell mural,” said MAH Executive Director Ginger Shulick Porcella. “Campbell is one of the most well-recognized contemporary artists working today based in Santa Cruz. And now more than ever I believe it’s important to show the career-trajectory of self-taught artists to the next generation of creatives so they are empowered to develop their own unique artist voice. We’re thrilled that the Abbey Mural Prize recognized the importance of restoring and preserving this important work for generations to come.”